Reference no: EM133880045
Assignment:
Rewrite this into simple word tern include citations and references
In the mid-20th century, a new movement emerged within psychology known as third-force psychology or humanistic psychology. This approach was developed as a response to what its proponents perceived as the limitations of the two dominant schools of thought at the time: psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focused on unconscious processes and the conflicts within the psyche, often emphasizing pathology and deterministic views. Behaviorism, led by figures like B.F. Skinner, concentrated on observable behaviors, dismissing internal experiences as irrelevant (Schultz & Schultz, 2016).
Humanistic psychology, in contrast, centers on the individual's potential for growth, self-actualization, and personal meaning. It posits that humans are inherently good and capable of free will. The movement was heavily influenced by existential and phenomenological ideas, emphasizing subjective experience and the inherent dignity of each person (Maslow, 1968).
One prominent figure within humanistic psychology was Rollo May, who integrated existential themes into his work. May's exploration of anxiety emphasized its dual nature-distinguishing between normal anxiety, which is proportionate to the situation and can be a catalyst for growth, and neurotic anxiety, which is disproportionate and results in psychological dysfunction. May's concept of the "human dilemma" refers to the conflict between humans' capacity for self-awareness and the inevitability of existential concerns such as death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness (May, 1950).
May argued that by confronting normal anxiety and navigating these existential issues, individuals could find deeper meaning and authenticity in their lives. This perspective challenged the reductionist tendencies of earlier schools and highlighted the importance of addressing deeper existential questions in psychological practice.
References:
Maslow, A. H. (1968). Toward a psychology of being. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
May, R. (1950). The Meaning of Anxiety. Ronald Press.
Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2016). Theories of Personality. Cengage Learning.