EXISTENTIAL AND HUMANISTIC

PSYCHOLOGY
HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY
- views human nature as basically good, with an
inherent potential to maintain healthy, meaningful
relationships and to make choices that are in the
interest of oneself and others -

Has more positive view on humanity and working

towards our potential
Centers on growth and kindles positive change
Each person is viewed as an indivisible whole a
gestalt; parts can never provide an understanding
of the whole
EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOLOGY
- a philosophical method of therapy that operates on the
belief that inner conflict within a person is due to that
individual's confrontation with the givens of existence and
that each individual is responsible for making meaning out
of life. -

Delves more into the darkness and bleakness of

humanity
Perceives people as not having an internal nature to
count on
Observes that people can find meaning in the face of
anxiety (caused by givens) by choosing to think and act
authentically and be responsible for how they accomplish
this.
 SIMILARITY
Aims to facilitate the
d e ve l o p m e n t o f a p e r s o ns s e l f -
awareness
Both place emphasis on life
m e a n i n g , s u b j e c t i ve r e a l i t y a n d
human potential
a r e b o t h c o n c e r n e d w i t h h ow
humans can lead a meaningful
l i f e a n d h ow t h ey h a n d l e t h e
inevitability of death
has greater regard for an
i n d i v i d u a l s p e r s p e c t i ve
ORIGIN AND
HISTORY
EXISTENTIAL AND HUMANISTIC
PSYCHOLOGY
Existential
&
Humanistic 2 0 th C e n t u r y 01.

Psychology Kierkegaard and Nietzsche were

one of the first existential
philosophers; developed the theory
of existentialism from where
Timeline existential therapy is based upon
 Carl Rogers, 38, spoke at the
University of Minnesota with a
speech titled Newer Concepts in
Psychotherapy which introduces
the origin of humanistic
psychology; birth of client-centered Middle Of
therapy. 2 0 th C e n t u r y

02. 03. 04.

Otto Rank actively pursued
existential therapy as a discipline;
considered by May to be the most
important precursor of existential
therapy.
December Tillich, May and Yalom brought
existential therapy into the
11, 1940
mainstream and began to influence
other theories such as humanistic
psychology

1957 &
1958
05.
Maslow and Moustakas met with
psychologists who shared their goal
of establishing a professional
association that emphasizes a more
positive and humanistic approach.
The American Association for
Humanistic Psychology was found 1962
06. 07.
"An assumption unusual in psychology
1961 today is that the subjective human
being has an important value which is
basic; that no matter how he may be
labeled and evaluated he is a human
person first of all, and most deeply. "
Carl Rogers
 Community of Existential
1988 Counselors was found

08. 09.

Society for Existential Analysis was 2006

found
PROMINENT
FIGURES
AND
CONTRIBUTI
ONS
ROLLO MAY
FATHER OF AMERICAN EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOLOGY
EXISTENCE
Edited with Ernest Angel and Henri Ellenberger in
1958
Formal beginning of the existential movement in
the United States, and the founding of
existential-humanistic psychology

THE MEANING OF
ANXIETY
published in 1950
May reclaimed anxiety as an integral part of
being human
Important distinctions regarding anxiety, such as
the distinction between neurotic and existential
anxiety.
 STAG E S
OF
DEVELOPM
ENT
 INNOCENCE:
REBELLION:
A NATURAL NORMAL
STAGE OF PEACE AND THE STUFF
CONTENTMENT DRAMATIC NOVELS
ARE MADE OF!

C R E A T I V I T Y:
O R D I N A RY:
TRUE CREATIVITY IS
A PRODUCT OF
T H E W O R D S AY S I T
STE A DY
ALL
D E V E L O P M E N T.
ABRAHAM MASLOW

Abraham Maslow was a 20th century psychologist who developed a humanistic

approach to psychology. He is best known for his hierarchy of needs.
 ABRAHAM
MASLOWS
HIERARCHY OF
NEEDS
 JAMES BUGENT
"Humanistic psychology is founded on a dedication to the wholeness
of human life, a conviction that life has greater potential than has yet
been realized, and an openness to a wide range of observations,
methods, and practices. In this perspective we draw humility,
challenge, and encouragement from the realization of how much
about human beings is yet unknown. Commitment, struggle, successes
and failures, and a continually receding frontier await those who
would join us. -James F.T. Bugental (1915-2008)
 Jim earned his doctorate degree from the Ohio
State University

His dissertation, An Investigation of the

Relationship of the Conceptual Matrix to the Self-
concept (1948), expressed his early interest in
authenticity and identity.

Jim resigned from the University of California to

found the first group practice of psychotherapy,
Psychological Service Associates along with
others.
 Existential-humanistic pyschotherapy
Rollo Mays Existence greatly influenced Jim to develop his
psychotherapy
cofounder of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and the
Association for Humanistic Psychology.
While May elaborated existential-humanistic theory and
social analysis, Jim stressed their living application to
practice.
His writings and books, along with others, presented the
fundamental assumptions of the discipline.
In the 1980s and 90s, Jim facilitated many courses and
workshops for his growing student audience.
 MODERN
APPLICATIONS
SELF- SOCIAL
ESTEEM
happiness CHANGE
academic achievement
divorce
social behavior
social stigma
eating disorders
depression
 G A L A M B O S, B A R K E R ,
AND KRAHN (2006)
Positive self-esteem has
beneficial psychological One can appreciate the

and physiological aspects. value of humanistic

In a similar manner psychology in assisting

negative self-esteem has individuals develop

many detrimental confidence in themselves

psychological and health and improve their self-

behaviors. esteem.
 Are individuals with high self-esteem selfish and
chronically focused on improving their lives at the
expense of others?

Existential-Humanistic theories have also led to the

validation of a 2000 years old self-improvement
technique called meditation.
Existential-Humanistic psychology, through the
development of higher self-esteem in an individual,
helps to make social contributions to the community
and society that they live in. Improving one's self-
esteem can be achieved with the help of others.
Existential-Humanistic theories have also led to the
validation of a 2000 years old self-improvement
technique called meditation.
Existential-Humanistic psychology, through the
development of higher self-esteem in an individual,
helps to make social contributions to the community
and society that they live in. Improving one's self-
esteem can be achieved with the help of others.
Existential therapies, transpersonal
psychology, positive psychology, or
interpersonal psychodynamic therapy or by
self reflection (mindfulness/meditation).
Thank you