Chapter 9, Problem 1RQ

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The criticism of behaviorism and psychoanalysis by a humanistic psychologist.

Introduction:

Abraham Maslow is believed to be the spiritual leader and founder of the humanistic psychology movement. He objected to psychoanalysis and behaviorism, especially Freud’s approach to personality. Maslow used to believe that behaviorism has the potential to solve all the problems of the world. His training in experimental psychology involved work on sexual behavior and dominance in primates. That was a huge step indeed, from that type of research in the behaviorist framework to coming up with the ideas of humanistic psychology—right from monkeys to self-actualization.

Explanation of Solution

According to Maslow, when psychologists study solely emotionally and abnormal disturbed instances of humanity, they tend to ignore the positive qualities in human such as contentment, peace of mind and happiness. We underestimate human nature, Maslow charged, when we fail to examine the best in people, that is, the most creative, healthy, and mature individuals. Therefore, Maslow decided that his approach to personality would assess society’s outstanding representatives. When you want to determine how fast people can run, he reasoned, you study not the average runner but the fastest runner you can find.

Conclusion

Only in this way is it possible to determine the full range of human potential. His theory came from the research on creative, self-sufficient, independent, fulfilled adults and not from clinical patient’s case histories. He ended up concluding that each person happens to born having the same set of needs that are instinctive and that enable people to develop, grow, and meet their potential.