Notes on Humanistic Psychology

Jan Armstrong, University of New Mexico

In the 1950's, humanistic psychologists expressed philosophical resistance to Psychoanalysis (Freud) and Behaviorism (Thorndike, Skinner). Humanistic psychology continues to influence education, business, and counseling, but relatively few therapists rely on it exclusively today. This page describes some key ideas and people associated with humanistic psychology. Practical applications of this approach are discussed elsewhere (see below).

Humanists argue that:

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers are well known humanistic psychologists.

Abraham Maslow (1908 - 1970)

Carl Rogers (1902 - 1987)


Applications of the Humanistic Perspective

Back to Human Growth and Development Course Handouts Archive