What does the humanistic approach to psychology focus on?

The humanistic approach to psychology emphasizes positive growth and personal agency, focusing on the individual’s capacity for self-actualization and fulfillment. This approach values human potential and stresses the importance of personal experiences and subjective interpretations of reality.

In contrast to other psychological perspectives, such as psychoanalysis, which delve into unconscious desires, or behaviorism, which examines observable behaviors and responses, humanistic psychology highlights the inherent goodness of people and their natural drive towards self-improvement. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their choices and fosters an environment where they can explore their thoughts and feelings to reach their full potential.

By prioritizing concepts like empathy, authenticity, and the understanding of the whole person, the humanistic approach provides a framework for personal growth that can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. This focus on individual agency is central to its philosophy and distinguishes it from more deterministic models in psychology.