A Challenge to Humanistic Psychology in the 21st Century

Abstract

Humanistic psychology began in the 1960s as an alternative to psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Humanistic psychology's larger mission is nothing short of freedom and autonomy for all human beings. The challenge to humanistic psychology is to realize its larger mission and organize its resources to fulfill that mission. The challenge to humanistic psychology is to fulfill its own potential, to have a positive effect on global well-being. Humanistic psychology needs to encourage education for humanistic behavior; actualization of personal potential: mind, body, and spirit; diversity/multiversity; global well-being; humanistic research; media coverage; collaborative efforts; humanistic cyber education; and appropriate funding. The need for humanistic psychology in the world is greater than ever. Individualistic tendencies of humanistic psychology need to blend with a more collaborative model. Humanistic psychology began in the 1960s as an alternative to psychoanalysis and behaviorism. But humanistic psychology has a much larger mission than just rebellion against other branches of 42

The Heart of Humanistic Psychology

“…The fact–value dichotomy, from within a phenomenological perspective, is understood to be a false dichotomy, and therefore the concept of the naturalistic fallacy is rejected (Brinkmann, 2009). Diversity, for example, is foundational value respected by humanistic psychologists (Comas-Diaz, 2012; Cornelius-White, 2005; Criswell, 2003; Hoffeman, Clear-Hoffman, & Jackson, 2014). Being inclusive of diversity is a value, in other words, and not a freedom from value.…”

Joining Inner and Outer Approaches to Freedom

“…"Humanistic psychology's larger mission," wrote Criswell (2003), "is nothing short of freedom and autonomy for all human beings" (p. 43). She explained,…”

“…Furthermore, humanistic psychology's focus on the existential and experiential aspects of freedom may inform the participatory community development movement. Aanstoos (2003), Criswell (2003), and Diaz-Laplante (2007) have argued that if humanistic psychology is to have an impact in the 21st century, it must address the critical issues of this generation, including globalization, human and ecological health, and spirituality. To address these issues, Richards (2003) proposed that humanistic psychology must reach across disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with other disciplines interested in human potential and well-being.…”

Advancing Humanistic Psychology and Psychotherapy: Some Challenges and Proposed Solutions

“…• Engage the services of an image consultant and undertake an extensive and continual public relations campaign that raises consciousness about our existence and that presents humanistic psychologists in a positive fashion (see also Criswell, 2003 [ Purkey & Aspy, 2003).…”