Contrast The Humanistic And Existential Perspectives

Contrast The Humanistic And Existential Perspectives As They Pertain T

Contrast the Humanistic and Existential perspectives as they pertain to the concept of personality. Which philosophical assumptions were most important to Rogers? Using the Existential framework, how do times of change and crisis lead us to reconsider our values?

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The humanistic and existential perspectives are two influential paradigms within personality psychology that offer insightful views on human nature, personal growth, and the interpretation of individual experience. While both perspectives emphasize subjective experience and the importance of personal meaning, they differ in their philosophical foundations and approach to understanding personality.

The humanistic perspective, most notably associated with Carl Rogers, centers on the innate goodness of individuals and their capacity for self-actualization. Rogers posited that humans possess an inherent drive toward growth and fulfillment, which is facilitated through a nurturing environment characterized by unconditional positive regard. His core philosophical assumptions included the belief that individuals are capable of self-directed change and that understanding their subjective experiences is essential for personal development. Rogers emphasized the importance of the self-concept and the congruence between the self and experiences as pivotal factors shaping personality. His humanistic approach promoted the idea that, given the right conditions, individuals can achieve their highest potential, emphasizing personal agency and intrinsic motivation.

In contrast, the existential perspective focuses on the individual's confrontation with fundamental aspects of existence, such as mortality, freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning. Existentialists argue that life is inherently uncertain and that individuals must create their own meaning amidst life's inherent chaos and ambiguity. From this framework, times of crisis and change serve as critical moments that prompt individuals to reassess their values and beliefs. These periods of upheaval often challenge existing worldviews, forcing individuals to confront existential anxieties and reconsider what truly matters to them. The existential perspective emphasizes authentic choice, personal responsibility, and the development of a coherent self in the face of life's uncertainties. This approach posits that existential crises can be catalysts for profound personal growth and re-evaluation of one's purpose.

Philosophically, Rogers' assumptions were grounded in humanism’s optimistic view of human nature, emphasizing the capacity for growth and self-awareness. He believed that with the right support, individuals could transcend their limitations and develop their true selves. Conversely, existentialists focus on the individual's freedom and responsibility in creating meaning, acknowledging life's inherent unpredictability and often emphasizing the importance of confronting discomfort to achieve authenticity.

In conclusion, while both perspectives highlight the importance of personal experience, humanism emphasizes innate potential and self-actualization, whereas existentialism underscores individual responsibility and the search for meaning in an uncertain world. Both frameworks offer valuable insights into how personality develops and how individuals navigate crises to redefine their values and sense of purpose.

References

  • McLeod, S. A. (2015). Humanism. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/humanistic.html
  • Sincero, Sarah Mae. (2012). Social Cognitive Theories of Personality. Explorable. https://explorable.com/social-cognitive-theories
  • Crash Course Philosophy. (2012). Existentialism: Crash Course Philosophy #16. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoT0F8GXo3Q
  • Rogers, C. R. (1961). On Becoming a Person. Houghton Mifflin.
  • Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
  • Viktor Frankl. (1946). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
  • May, R. (1983). The Discovery of Being: The Original Contribution to Existential Psychology. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Schneider, K. J. (2011). Existential-Humanistic Therapy. In P. J. Clarkson (Ed.), The Encyclopedia of Counseling (pp. 599-602). Springer.
  • Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
  • Yalom, I. D. (1989). Facing Death: Epicurus and Contemporary Psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 43(2), 188-197.

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