Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology, which arose in the mid 20th century, was a conscious reaction to and rejection of reductionistic and deterministic psychological theories such as behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Born largely of the existential philosophical tradition, Humanistic psychology is a conscious focus of the intrinsically good nature of humanity, as opposed to the negative picture of human nature which was characteristically painted by the former disciplines. Humanistic psychology understands humans, and possibly other organisms, as unique conscious beings, with free-will and some form of responsibility for their own actions. The internal motivation of humans, according to humanistic theory, is the desire to grow to the fullest of their potential.

Abraham Maslow is viewed as chief artisans of the humanistic movement, along with his contemporary Carl Rogers.