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Essay And Peer Reflection : Personality Theory

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Essay and Peer Reflection: Personality Theory
A.J. Molina
LeTourneau University Essay and Peer Reflection: Personality Theory
Introduction
Humanistic Psychology presents insight into understanding human behavior by delving into the individualistic view of each person. The importance of self-actualization infects the Western culture so psychologists need to have an understanding of individuals in order to counsel those who seek counseling.
What is it?
Humanistic Psychology arose during the 1950’s. The humanistic approach in psychology developed as a rebellion against what some psychologists saw as limitations of the behaviorist and psychodynamic psychology (McLeod, S. A. 2007). It takes into account each individual’s uniqueness and studies the whole person. Personal choice is driven by inner feelings and free will. It enables a focus on private, subjective experience and personal growth and offers a set of values that can be used to understand human behavior based on self-concept. Psychoanalysis concentrates it attention on the influence that the unconscious mind has on behavior while the behaviorist’s focus is on the influence of a stimulus – response behavior.
Merits
A strength in the school of humanistic psychology is that it allows people to have a stake in the control of their mental health. Value is placed on personal ideas and self-fulfillments. Environmental influences play a role in people’s experiences. A person can make choices regarding these

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