Personality Analysis: Humanistic and Existential

Personality Analysis: Humanistic and Existential

Personality Analysis: Humanistic and Existential
Brandi K. Keller
PSY/405
May 15, 2013
Dr. Patricia Stem

Personality Analysis: Humanistic and Existential
Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers are two well-known psychologists known for supporting the humanistic approach, whereas, Rollo May is known for his contribution to the existential approach. Even today, after many years of research concluded more time than able to count when each of these tests are administered, each tests conclusions have the same results. However, there is still much controversy remaining over which method to understanding one’s personality is correct. There is no right or wrong way, however. Within the following paragraphs the description of the humanistic and the existential approach will be provided. The description of the role of personality in affecting situational behavior will be addressed. The examination of the personality characteristics attributed to both the humanistic and existential approach will also be addressed. Followed by the explanation of the interpersonal relational aspects associated with these two theories will also be provided.
The Humanistic Approach to Personality
The humanistic approach to personality has a strong response to both behaviorism approach and psychodynamic approach (Friedman, & Schustack, 2009). According to the humanistic approach people tend to make conscious decisions about the course of one’s life (Feist, & Feist, 2009). People also tend to look forward rather than back and does not let one’s past control one’s future. The humanistic approach rejects the limits of the behaviorism approach meaning the humanistic approach does not learn through experimenting but rather through observations (Kowalski, & Weston, 2011). The humanistic approach also disagrees with the unconstructiveness of the psychodynamic approach; thus, believing that people are good from the core, and continuously striving to improve their selves (Kowalski, &...

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