the Humanistic Psychology movement

Humanistic psychology is a perspective that emphasizes the individual's inherent potential for growth, self-awareness, and personal fulfillment. It views people as capable of making conscious choices and emphasizes the importance of understanding their subjective experiences. This movement emerged as a response to traditional psychological theories that focused more on illness or abnormal behavior, instead celebrating the positive aspects of human nature. Core ideas include self-actualization—the pursuit of reaching one’s fullest potential—and the idea that people are inherently good and motivated to grow. It has influenced areas like therapy, education, and personal development by prioritizing empathy, authenticity, and human dignity.