Humanistic Theory, Research Paper Example

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers each serve as unique representatives of humanistic theory in different ways, and demonstrate their capacity to better understand the human personality and different characteristics that embody human growth and development. It is important to convey the different challenges and expectations that are associated with human growth and change, and to determine how to best approach the human condition with an open mind to positively impact behaviors and beliefs. Each of these psychologists represents an opportunity to explore the different dimensions of growth and change that influence behavior, and that provide a basis for the exploration of new concepts and considerations in supporting growth and change in human beings. Each theorist was interested in the humanistic tendencies of existence, and how these contributed to the overall development of new alternatives for growth and change. The following discussion will address Maslow and Rogers’ perspectives in greater detail, emphasizing the relevance of different concepts and how these contributed to the overall development of humanistic psychology, and what was required to facilitate effective outcomes and results in this newly discovered area of psychology.

For Abraham Maslow, there was a particular interest in the development of new methods to better understand how human beings operated in a variety of contexts and situations, based upon existing frameworks and other challenges that supported positive results: “Maslow saw human beings’ needs arranged like a ladder. The most basic needs, at the bottom, were physical — air, water, food, sex. Then came safety needs — security, stability — followed by psychological, or social needs — for belonging, love, acceptance. At the top of it all were the self-actualizing needs — the need to fulfill oneself, to become all that one is capable of becoming. Maslow felt that unfulfilled needs lower on the ladder would inhibit the person from climbing to the next step” (PBS.org). Under these conditions, it was expected that human beings would each crave and seek out these basic needs in an effort to satisfy the next steps within their lives (PBS.org). Under these conditions, human beings sought to determine the best possible approaches to manage their own lives and their inherent characteristics (PBS.org). In many ways, Maslow sought to identify the positive characteristics of human beings, rather than the negative outcomes, which reflected his capacity to recognize how human behavior contributed to different circumstances (PBS.org). Since personality traits are directly associated with human behaviors and support systems, it is necessary to consider how these traits shape human responses to different situations and to other human beings (PBS.org). Furthermore, “Humanistic psychology gave rise to several different therapies, all guided by the idea that people possess the inner resources for growth and healing and that the point of therapy is to help remove obstacles to individuals’ achieving this” (PBS.org). As a result, human beings sought to identify different characteristics that served as the basis for their needs and perspectives, and how they might respond to specific situations accordingly (PBS.org). These elements are critical in shaping outcomes and expectations throughout the life span, and in supporting human growth and ongoing development.

For Carl Rogers, humanistic theory represented a means of influencing individual behaviors, and it was his objective to better understand how these elements were satisfied within a given context or circumstance (Muskingum.edu). Under his watch, therapeutic interventions for patients shifted dramatically, and represented an opportunity to explore the different dimensions of growth, while also reflecting upon the challenging nature of therapy and how it impacts human relationships and behaviors (Muskingum.edu). From Rogers’ perspective, it was determined that there were significant patterns of behavior that required further guidance, and that represented an opportunity for therapist-client relationships to take on a different turn, rather than to produce the same outcomes in every situation (Muskingum.edu). In this context, “Rogers attempted to change the world of psychotherapy when he boldly claimed that psychoanalytic, experimental, and behavioral therapists were preventing their clients from ever reaching self-realization and self-growth due to their authoritative analysis. He argued that therapists should allow patients to discover the solution for themselves” (Muskingum.edu). Therefore, Rogers was strongly interested in shaping the manner in which psychotherapy could provide clients with the tools that were necessary to discover new methods of managing their problems, and in shaping their own outcomes and destinies (Muskingum.edu). These elements demonstrate that there are significant factors that contribute to the overall effectiveness of psychotherapy, and what is required to enable clients to identify the causes of some of their problems, and to recognize potential solutions (Muskingum.edu). Therefore, the concept of “client-centered therapy” became a household name, as Rogers sought to convey his understanding and acceptance of different personality characteristics and other elements in favor of supporting viable outcomes for all clients (Muskingum.edu). These efforts are critical because they demonstrate the overall capacity of clients and their therapists to work cooperatively to develop viable solutions, while also considering how these actions might enable clients to better themselves and their circumstances in the process (Muskingum.edu).

From each of these perspectives and contributions, both psychologists represent different alternatives and solutions that are designed to positively impact human behaviors in such a way that maximum benefits are achieved. Therefore, it is expected that under these frameworks, human beings who struggle with their identities and with their relationships with other human beings will eventually find solutions to these problems, rather than continuing to struggle under these circumstances. As a result, it is expected that psychologists who utilize the beliefs of Maslow and Rogers will achieve a greater degree of success in response to the different challenges associated with personal growth and human understanding. These elements also provide a basis for the exploration of new concepts and frameworks that might be effective in supporting a variety of critical outcomes. As a result, the work and theories that were developed by these psychologists represent a means of determining why human beings behave in specific ways, and what might be required to ensure that these behaviors are appropriate, given the individual circumstances. Therefore, these theories are designed to be influential in impacting behavior, and also in determining the best possible approaches to provide human beings with positive feedback regarding their concerns and situations.

Both Maslow and Rogers sought to identify different concepts associated with human behavior, and determined that there were significant factors that could be attributed to the development of positive outcomes and results for human beings in all situations. At the same time, these efforts were designed to recognize different patterns that existed with human behavior, and how these patterns could be observed through therapist-client interactions, as well as in other situations. Therefore, it was important for the believers of humanistic psychology to develop strategies that would ultimately benefit the human condition in a positive manner. These beliefs also represent a means of approaching human interactions and beliefs in such a way that they support ongoing change and development within the context of growth and maturity. Since each human being possesses his or her own set of unique personality characteristics, it was important to develop a greater understanding of these conditions and how they impacted human behavior, while also supporting the dimensions of therapist-client interactions and other related needs. In exploring these theories further, it is important to better understand that each psychologist sought to identify different areas of practice that would be effective in supporting a variety of outcomes for human beings, whether it be through therapist-client interactions or via other means. Regardless of the individual circumstances, it was important for these efforts to be recognized and approached with an open mind, while also reflecting upon the different challenges that shape human behaviors and interactions accordingly. These efforts provide a basis for the exploration of psychological concepts, and also in demonstrating the impact of human behavior on existence as a whole. Under these circumstances, the work of Maslow and Rogers is particularly relevant, and it provides a basis for the exploration of new concepts and support systems that impact human behavior in different ways, and that also emphasize basic human needs and how they contribute to the success of the human condition as a whole.

References

Muskingum.edu. Carl Rogers. Retrieved from http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/rogers.htm

PBS.org. Abraham Maslow. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/bhmasl.html