An approach in psychology that includes the problems of love, inner involvement and spontaneity, instead of their systematic and fundamental exclusion, is defined as humanistic.

Humanistic psychology puts on the main place a person and his self-improvement. Her main subjects of consideration are: highest values, self-actualization, creativity, freedom, love, responsibility, autonomy, mental health, interpersonal relationships.

object humanistic psychology is not the prediction and control of human behavior, but the liberation of a person from the fetters of neurotic control that arose as a result of his “deviations” from social norms or from psychological conditions individual.

Humanistic psychology as an independent direction emerged in the USA in the 1960s of the XX century as an alternative to behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Her philosophical basis became existentialism.

In 1963, the first president of the Association for Humanistic Psychology, James Bugenthal, formulated five main provisions of this approach:

1. Man like whole being exceeds the sum of its parts (i.e. a person cannot be explained as a result of scientific study its private functions).
2. human being unfolds in context human relations(i.e. a person cannot be explained by his private functions, which do not take into account interpersonal experience).
3. A person is aware of himself and cannot be understood by psychology, which does not take into account his continuous, multi-level self-consciousness.
4. A person has a choice (is not a passive observer of his existence, but creates his own experience).
5. A person is intentional (turned to the future, his life has a purpose, values ​​and meaning).

It is believed that humanistic psychology was formed under the influence of ten directions:

1. Group dynamics in particular T-groups.
2. Doctrine of self-actualization (Maslow, 1968).
3. Personality-centered direction of psychology (client-centered therapy Rogers 1961).
4. Theory Reicha with his insistence on loosening the clamps and freeing internal energy bodies (body).
5. Existentialism, in particular, theoretically interpreted Jung(1967) and practically experimentally - Perls(also Fagan and shepherd, 1972).
6. The results of using expanding drag, in particular LSD (Stanford and golightly, 1967).
7. Zen Buddhism and its Idea of ​​Liberation (letting, 1980).
8. Taoism and its ideas of the unity of opposites "Yin - Yang".
9. Tantra and its ideas of the importance of the body as an energy system.
10. Peak experiments as revelation and enlightenment (Rowan, 1976).

Humanistic psychology is not an ordered field scientific knowledge. It is not a science, but rather a set of metaphysical concepts that point the way for unraveling human problems through existential experience. Wherein:

1. A deep and intense group of studies culminates in a general realistic attitude towards oneself and others.
2. An ecstatic and summit experiment in which the meaning of the unity and patterns of human and natural worlds is achieved.
3. The existential experience of being is entirely responsible for certain thoughts and actions.

All the leading figures in humanistic psychology have gone through this kind of experience. This led to the idea of ​​a subject of knowledge that could only be explored or appreciated by such steps.

The humanistic approach in psychology is clearly aimed at practical tasks. His central concepts are personal growth(becoming) and human capabilities. She argues that people can change by working on themselves.

As part of this direction created a large number of self-intervention techniques ("self-penetration"), which can be systematized as follows:

1. Corporal methods:

• therapy Reicha, focused on bioenergy, revival;
• methods Rolfing's, Feldenkreis's;
• Technics Alexander;
• "Sensual Consciousness";
• holistic health, etc.

2. Thinking methods:

• transactional analysis;
• creation of personal constructs (“repertoire grids” Kelly);
• family therapy;
• NLP - Neuro Linguistic Programming, etc.

3. Sensual methods:

• encounter, psychodrama;
• awareness of integrity;
• initial integration;
• empathic interaction Rogers and etc.

4. Spiritual methods:

• transpersonal counseling,
• psychoanalysis,
• intensive seminars on education (enlightenment intensive workshops),
• dynamic meditation,
• sand games (send play),
• interpretation of dreams dream work) and etc.

Most of these methods can be adapted to work in many industries. Humanistic practices are engaged in personal growth through psychotherapy, holistic health, education, social work, organizational theory and consulting, business trainings, trainings general development, self-help groups, creative training and social research (Rowan, 1976).

Human existence is studied by humanistic psychology as a co-exploratory one, when the subject himself also plans his own study, participates in the execution and comprehension of the results. This process is believed to give more different kind knowledge about a person than the classical research paradigm. This knowledge is one that can be used immediately.

On this basis, several concepts arose:

The real self (real self). This concept is key in humanistic psychology. It is peculiar conceptual constructions Rogers (1961), Maslow (1968), cabin boy(1967) and many others. The real self implies that we can go beyond the surface of our roles and disguise them to contain and emphasize the self. (Shaw, 1974). A number of studies that built on this interacted with Hampdun-Turner (1971). Simpson(1971) states that here we have political aspect ideas of "real-self" (real self). From this point of view gender roles, for example, can be seen as a cover-up for the "real self" and therefore as oppressive. These links have been carefully considered. Carney and McMahon (1977).

subpersonal (sub-personalities). This concept was brought to the fore Assagioli and other researchers (Ferucci, 1982). It indicates that we have a number of subpersonalities that come from different sources:

• collective unconscious;
• cultural unconscious;
• personal unconscious;
• troubling conflicts and issues, roles and social problems (Frames);
• fantasy ideas about what we want to be.

Abundance motivation (validity, richness of motivation). Most psychologists base their views on the homeostatic model. Action is thought initiated by needs or desires. Human existence, however, strives for creative tension and situations that support it, as well as, accordingly, for the reduction of tension. achievement motivation (McClelland, 1953), the need for diversity of experience (Fisk and Moddi, 1961) can be considered in connection with the concept of motivational wealth, allow us to explain various kinds of actions. Motivation cannot be driven by performance. It can only be "removed" for an actor.

Finally, humanistic psychologists argue that attention to own states and motives makes it possible to avoid self-deception and facilitates the discovery of the real self. This is a kind of motto of humanistic psychology in its theoretical and applied expression.

Romenets V.A., Manokha I.P. History of psychology of the XX century. - Kyiv, Lybid, 2003.

Lecture, abstract. 6. Humanistic direction in psychology - concept and types. Classification, essence and features.

Humanistic psychology is a generally recognized direction that positions its main object not just a person, but an autonomous and unique system as a whole. She (this person, a person in broad sense understanding) is not a given, but only prerequisites for development and self-actualization. And how this development will take place depends only on the will of the individual and his environment.

As a separate trend, the humanistic approach in psychology announced itself in the middle of the twentieth century as an alternative to behaviorism and psychoanalysis. The founders of humanistic psychology include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, and the meters - Gordon Alporn, Rollo May and many more famous figures. By the way, under the editorship of the latter, the famous book-manifesto "Existential Psychology" (1959), which is the fundamental collection of the current, was published.

At the same time, the subjects of analysis are not only the mentioned self-actualization, creativity, responsibility, autonomy, but also the highest values, love, morality, morality. The psychology and psyche of a person and his experiences, according to the supporters of the direction, cannot be evaluated according to the principle that the natural sciences use.

Therefore, five main ideas of humanistic psychology were formulated:

• a person as a whole is much more significant than the sum of his parts; thus Homo sapiens cannot be explained by explaining the parts of his activity and functioning;
• the existence of a person is always associated with interactions with other personalities, that is, a person cannot be explained without taking into account interpersonal experience;
• a person is always aware, explains and analyzes himself, therefore, cannot be interpreted by psychology without taking into account his multi-stage awareness;
• a person always has a choice, therefore it cannot be considered outside of his own process: active or deliberately passive, because he creates personal experience;
• a person is always facing the future (it is intentional), that is, it has a goal or a dream, value orientations and the meaning of existence.

Also, one of the most popular and relevant developments in the field of humanistic psychology is still the motivation hierarchy model, invented by Abraham Maslow. He argued that a person, like a triangle, acquires seven levels of needs with development:

• the first (basic) is physiological: to quench thirst and hunger, to be able to sleep and multiply;
• the second is the need for security, as an opportunity to survive not only in the physiological, but also psychological sense;
• the third is the need for acceptance (love, friendship, belonging to a clan, community);
• fourth - the need for respect (recognition of merits and skills, recognition of the significance of a person);
• fifth - cognitive needs (to explore, understand, know);
• sixth - aesthetic needs (in harmony, order, beauty);
• the seventh is the need for self-actualization: setting and achieving goals, setting priorities, personal development.

Maslow argued that without the satisfaction of lower needs, it is difficult to develop (or not develop at all) more high needs. For example, the lack of goods leads to the fact that a person spends all his energy on finding food. If the need for security is violated, then a person may not think about the need for harmony. There is also a "neurosis of existence."

This is when basic needs are met without much human stress, and next level is not relevant, like a spoiled child. Or is the person in active search the meaning of life.

Depending on the most important and current needs, we can distinguish the level personal development. And this is important for understanding and accepting the personality as it is.

Humanistic psychology, that is, Rogers' humanistic theory of personality, states that any organism strives to take care of its existence in order to preserve and improve it. A person has ideas about himself, which he makes on the basis of the attitude of other people. And this is the real me. There are also ideas about what he would like to be - the "ideal I". But, the more a person wants to get closer to the ideal, the more he strives to hide his sides, which are a counterbalance to this.

This is the manifestation of the need for respect. But, in this way, a discord accumulates between real desires and external manifestations. This leads to neuroses. The more "real I" is in agreement with feelings, thoughts and manifestations, the more harmonious it is, and the more close to the "ideal I".

Maximum personal growth occurs when a person does not have to pretend and lie; when he can freely express his thoughts, reason. And in return receive acceptance, without fear of being rudely condemned and suppressed. This is the basis of the session itself within the framework of the humanistic direction.

Client Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers introduced the concept of client-centered therapy. It is based on the belief that the client himself is able to find a way to solve his problems. And the one that suits him. But, any person can discover the potential only in an atmosphere of invaluable acceptance. As if we are dealing with maternal (comprehensive) acceptance of a person, without distributing evaluation of actions.

Empathy is the ability to perceive and understand the feelings of others, even if you yourself would act differently. And that is at the heart of therapy itself. Also, for the client, all conditions are created for the manifestation of congruence - that is, an open and honest expression of their feelings, feelings and emotions about something.

How is the session

The difference in client-centered therapy is the desire for minimal intervention by the therapist in the process of guiding the session. The client himself decides what topics and problems are relevant to him in this moment. However, this does not mean that the psychologist is completely eliminated. On the contrary, he listens attentively and is completely focused on the experiences and feelings of the client, his conclusions and aspirations. He is the most invaluable and respectful listener and interlocutor.

Getting the opportunity to calmly express their feelings, emotions, tell not only their problems, but dreams and projects, a person is internally liberated, his self-esteem rises, he begins to trust the world around him more and see large quantity prospects. Carl Roger generally believed that in this case the client for the most part helps himself, because he understands his situation much better.

As a result, the person who came for help becomes less vulnerable, more realistic. If we rethink the approach, then we can say that the therapist allows him to feel a kind of “non-judgmental and accepting rear”, which makes the client more confident.

Main proponents of humanistic psychology

From the point of view of psychologists who worked in such a direction as humanistic psychology, the main supporters of this psychology, of course, are the mentioned A. Maslow, K, Rogers, Rollo May, Erich From.

If we consider the issue from the side of the client, then we can say that the main supporters of humanistic psychology are those people who experience a lack of sympathy, human warmth and trusting relationship. In addition, it has proven itself well for capacity development, problem solving personal growth. The conflict-free basis of the method for some people is a more acceptable method of resolving family conflicts.

Also, a humanistic approach, as understanding and not pressing, is often chosen by adolescents and children when psychological counseling is needed.

An interesting feature is the fact that, in classic version, the client himself chooses the number of visits and their frequency. Therefore, such techniques are always convenient for him.

Criticism of such psychology

One of the most famous critics of humanistic psychology is K. Benson. He shows that the concept of self-actualization in many non-Western cultures can be regarded as inappropriate and unacceptable selfishness. In addition, the acceptance of any statements and ideas of the client may lead, in this case, to the development of immorality. In addition, he believes that the humanistic approach is fixated on the personal self as the highest value. Whereas exactly interaction with other personalities is often a meaning-forming factor.

Many other authors have pointed out that the humanistic session is not suitable for authoritarian individuals, as well as clients who already have problems with their selfishness and inactivity.

Currently, James Hillman, in his critique of modern humanistic psychology, warns of the danger of instilling a moment of omnipotence in an insecure person. Because these attitudes fit too well with all sorts of modern religious concepts.

As a result, a person does not receive support to independently develop and act. And he receives the installation of actually equating himself with God, and he begins to choose a very convenient position for himself: everyone owes me everything. Thus, selfish inclinations can significantly affect later life personality, leading to not quite adequate results from the point of view of law and society.

In addition, the results of observations do not lend themselves to strict evaluation criteria; it is difficult to assess how much something really develops or does not develop during work.

Humanistic psychology today

AT this moment various conclusions and concepts of humanistic psychology are actively used, and not only in direct work with clients, but also in other industries and disciplines.

For example, the famous hierarchy of needs was revised in a very practical applications organization of the workplace: without satisfying lower needs, it is impossible to demand from workers the implementation of higher ones. That is, without a well-organized opportunity to eat, go to the toilet and without respectful attitude and recognition of merit, it will be difficult for the employee to fulfill his cognitive processes and learn. Therefore, in many offices and supermarkets there are special and well-organized eating rooms, warm toilets, and management personnel are trained to organize the right approach to people.

Maureen O'Hara, a popular author of the humanistic trend, argues that in fact all people of the entire planet strive for freedom and self-determination, they simply understand it in their own way. And the mentioned approach recognizes both these rights and the opportunity to have a personal interpretation of concepts. Well, the empathic approach to the client has become an absolute dogma for many practicing psychologists and psychotherapists.

Humanistic psychology was the result of serious reflection American society faced with the question of what a person is, what is his potential and ways of development. These issues have, of course, been raised before and considered by representatives different schools. However, two world wars led to global changes in society, which entailed the importance of new ideas and understandings.

What does humanistic psychology study?

The main subject of study of the humanistic trend in psychology is healthy, mature, creatively active individuals striving for continuous development and active life position. Psychologists of the humanistic movement did not oppose man and society. Unlike other directions, they believed that there was no conflict between society and the individual. On the contrary, according to them, it is social ones that give a person a sense of the fullness of human life.

Personality in humanistic psychology

The foundations of humanistic psychology originate in the philosophical traditions of the humanists of the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, German romanticism, the teachings of Feuerbach, Nietzsche, Husserl, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, the teachings of existentialism and Eastern philosophical and religious systems.

The methodology of humanistic psychology is disclosed in the works of such authors:

• A. Maslow, K. Rogers, S. Jurard, F. Barron, who expressed their views on a mentally healthy, fully functioning person;
• A. Maslow, V. Frankl, S. Buhler wrote about the development of personality in humanistic psychology, the problem of driving forces in the formation and development of personality, about needs and values;
• problem interpersonal relationships and self-disclosure in relationships are described by K. Rogers, S. Jurard, R. May;
• F. Barron, R. May and V. Frankl wrote about the problems of freedom and responsibility.

In general, the personality of a person is considered in the following aspects:

• a person is not a set of components, but holistic personality;
• each person is unique, so it is more correct to approach each specific case from the point of view of its individuality. Based on this representation, statistical generalizations do not make sense;
• human life is a single process of being and becoming a person;
• man is an active being who needs development;
• the main psychological reality is human experiences;
• a person can be guided by his principles and values, which helps him to be independent to a certain extent from external causes.

Methods of humanistic psychology

Humanistic psychology has become widespread, which has led to an expansion of the set of methods suitable for this direction. Among the most known methods can be called:

It would be inaccurate to call humanistic psychology scientific theory. At the time of its appearance, it occupied an important niche in the understanding that there is a person, and rather quickly became a general cultural phenomenon.

cheat sheet by general psychology Voytina Yulia Mikhailovna

6. HUMANIST DIRECTION IN PSYCHOLOGY