Many humanistic psychologists p rovide research findings to support
their views. However, some psychologists have challenged the data upon
which many of these studies are based. Although Rogers is to be com-
mended for his efforts to assess the effectiveness of person-centered therapy,
he still relied too heavily on his intui tion to satisfy many hard-nosed re-
searchers. Similarly, Maslow selected people for his list of “self-actualized ”
individuals based on his own subjective impressions. Because of these
weak data, much of what humanistic theorists say must be taken more as amatter of faith than as scientific fact . Most likely, psychologists and lay
readers embrace the humanistic approach because it is consistent with theirown observations and values, not because they are persuaded by theevidence.
Other psychologists point to the limited applicability of humanistic psy-
chotherapy techniques. These critics argue that humanistic psychotherapymay be limited to a narrow band of problems. Creating the proper atmo-
sphere for personal growth might be of value for many of Rogers ’clients,
but it may provide little help to someone with an extreme psychological dis-
order. Similarly, reflecting on one ’s values and direction in life might prove
beneficial for well-educated, middle-class clients. But these questions might
be irrelevant to someone from a different background. Person-centered ther-
apy may be useful for working through certain kinds of adjustment problems,
but not for dealing with the myriad serious psychological disturbances that
cause people to seek therapy.
Humanistic psychologists have also been criticized for making some
overly naive assumptions about human nature. For example, most humanistictheorists assume that all people are basically good. Although this is more a
theological than an empirical question, many people find the premise hard to
accept. Another assumption many find difficult to swallow is that each of us
has a desire to fulfill some hidden potential. Maslow ’s description of self-
actualization implies that each individual is somehow destined to become,
for example, a painter, a poet, or a carpenter. For Maslow the key is discov-
ering which of these true selves lies bottled up inside waiting to be developed.This predeterministic tone seems to contradict the general free will emphasis
of the humanistic approach.
SUMMARY
1. The humanistic approach to personality grew out of discontent with the
psychoanalytic and behavioral descriptions of human nature prominent
in the 1950s and 1960s. Humanistic psychology has its roots in
European existential philosophy and the works of some American
psychologists, most notably Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
2. Although many approaches to psychotherapy have been described as
humanistic, four criteria seem important for classifying a theory under
this label. These criteria are an emphasis on personal responsibility, anemphasis on the here and now, focusing on the phenomenology of the
individual, and emphasizing personal growth.Summary 303