The History of Psychology: Learn It 2—Humanism

Humanism

During the early 20th century, psychology was dominated by behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Some psychologists, however, felt these perspectives were too limited:

  • Freud’s psychoanalysis was seen as overly pessimistic and deterministic, focusing on unconscious drives.
  • Behaviorism was viewed as reductionist, reducing humans to learned behaviors determined by genetics and environment.

In response, a new approach—humanism—emerged, emphasizing personal control, free will, and the innate potential for good in people.

humanism

An approach in psychology that highlights the inherent goodness of humans and their potential for good, the importance of personal growth, and the whole person rather than reductionist explanations. 

Humanistic psychologists often favored qualitative methods that captured the richness of human experience. However, there are a number of quantitative (measurement-based) research strains within humanistic psychology, including research on happiness, self-concept, meditation, and the outcomes of humanistic psychotherapy (Friedman, 2008).

Abraham Maslow

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. At the bottom of the pyramid are physiological needs (food, water, shelter, warmth), then security needs (safety, employment, assets), social needs (family, friendship, intimacy, belonging), then esteem (self-worth, accomplishment, confidence), and lastly, self-actualization (inner fulfillment).
Figure 1. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes that basic needs for food and safety need to be met before higher-level needs can serve as motivators.

Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) proposed a hierarchy of needs to explain motivation.

  • Basic needs (food, water, shelter, safety) must be met before higher-level needs take priority.
  • Higher needs include belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization—the process of reaching one’s full potential.

Maslow’s work was influenced by his 1938 field studies with the Blackfoot Nation. Although debates remain about his interpretations, it is clear that Blackfoot knowledge and traditions informed his ideas about community, self-actualization, and human potential (Feigenbaum & Smith, 2020).

Carl Rogers and Client-Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers (1902–1987) shared Maslow’s belief in human potential and developed client-centered therapy. Unlike psychoanalysis, where the therapist interprets unconscious conflicts, Rogers placed the client in the lead role during sessions.

He believed therapists must provide three core conditions for growth:

  • Unconditional positive regard: accepting clients without judgment.
  • Genuineness: being authentic in interactions.
  • Empathy: understanding the client’s perspective.

Rogers argued that when these are present, clients can work through their own challenges and move toward growth.

Lasting Influence

Humanism reshaped psychology by emphasizing agency, personal growth, and positive potential. Both Maslow and Rogers remain highly influential, and Rogers’ client-centered therapy is still widely used in counseling and psychotherapy today.