US High School Psychology Complete Practice Exam 2026

The humanistic perspective is characterized by a focus on individual potential and stresses the importance of personal growth and self-actualization. This approach was developed in response to the deterministic views of behaviorism and psychoanalysis, which often overlooked the importance of free will and the subjective experience of the individual.

Humanistic psychologists, such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, believe that people have an inherent drive towards growth and fulfillment. They argue that individuals are not solely products of their environment or unconscious drives but have the ability to make choices and shape their own destinies. This emphasis on agency and personal responsibility is fundamental to the humanistic approach, making it distinct from other psychological perspectives, which may focus more on external behaviors or underlying psychological conflicts.

In contrast, the cognitive perspective primarily deals with mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving, while the behaviorist perspective centers on observable behaviors and the influence of the environment on those behaviors. The psychoanalytic perspective delves into unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences rather than highlighting self-actualization or free will. Hence, the humanistic perspective stands out for its celebration of individuality and personal growth.