Humanistic approach: main features

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Society is increasingly attracting the attention of creative individuals who are able to withstand competition and have mobility, intelligence and the ability for self-actualization and continuous creative self-development.

Interest in various manifestations of human existence and the formation of personality is especially evident in the humanistic direction of psychology and pedagogy. Thanks to him, a person is considered from the point of view of his uniqueness, integrity and desire for continuous personal improvement. At the basis of the mentioned direction is the vision of the human in all individuals and the obligatory respect for the autonomy of the individual.

General concepts of humanism

"Humanism" in Latin means "humanity". And as a direction, the humanistic approach in philosophy arose in the Renaissance. It was positioned under the name "Renaissance humanism". This is a worldview, the main idea of which isthe assertion that a person is a value above all earthly goods, and based on this postulate, it is necessary to build an attitude towards him.

In general, humanism is a worldview that implies the value of a person's personality, his right to freedom, a happy existence, full development and the possibility of manifesting his abilities. As a system of value orientations, today it has taken shape as a set of ideas and values that affirm the universal significance of human existence both in general and in particular (for an individual).

Before the appearance of the concept of "humanistic approach to the individual", the concept of "humanity" was formed, which reflects such an important personality trait as the willingness and desire to help other people, show respect, care, complicity. Without humanity, in principle, the existence of the human race is impossible.

This is a personality trait that represents the ability to consciously empathize with another person. In modern society, humanism is a social ideal, and man is the highest goal of social development, in the process of which conditions must be created for the full realization of all his potentialities to achieve harmony in the social, economic, spiritual sphere and the highest flourishing of the individual.

The main foundations of the humanistic approach to man

Today, the interpretation of humanism focuses on the harmonious development of the intellectual abilities of the individual, as well as on its spiritual, moral and aestheticcomponent. For this, it is important to discern in a person his potential data.

The goal of humanism is a full-fledged subject of activity, cognition and communication, which is free, self-sufficient and responsible for what is happening in society. The measure that the humanistic approach assumes in this case is determined by the prerequisites for the self-realization of a person and the opportunities provided for this. The main thing is to let the personality open up, to help it become free and responsible in creativity.

The model of the formation of such a person, from the point of view of humanistic psychology, began its development in the USA (1950-1960). It has been described in the works of Maslow A., Frank S., Rogers K., Kelly J., Combsy A., and others.

Personality

The humanistic approach to a person, to the psychology of personality, described in the mentioned theory, was deeply analyzed by scientists and psychologists. Of course, this area cannot be said to be completely explored, but significant theoretical research has been done in it.

This direction of psychology arose as a kind of alternative concept to the current, fully or partially identifying human psychology and animal behavior. The theory of personality, considered from the point of view of humanistic traditions, is classified as psychodynamic (at the same time, interactionist). This is not an experimental branch of psychology that has a structural-dynamic organization and covers the entire period of a person's life. She describes him as a person using termsintrinsic properties and features, and behavioral terms.

Proponents of the theory that considers personality in a humanistic approach are primarily interested in the perception, understanding and explanation of a person's real events in his life. Preference is given to the phenomenology of personality, rather than the search for explanations. Therefore, this type of theory is often called phenomenological. The very description of a person and events in her life focuses mainly on the present and is described in such terms: “life goals”, “meaning of life”, “values”, etc.

Humanism in the psychology of Rogers and Maslow

In his theory, Rogers relied on the fact that a person has the desire and ability for personal self-improvement, as he is endowed with consciousness. According to Rogers, man is a being who can be his own ultimate judge.

Rogers' theoretical humanistic approach in personality psychology leads to the fact that the central concept for a person is "I", with all ideas, ideas, goals and values. Using them, he can characterize himself and outline the prospects for personal improvement and development. A person should ask himself the question “Who am I? What do I want and can become? and by all means solve it.

The image of "I" as a result of personal life experience affects self-esteem and the perception of the world and the environment. It can be negative, positive, or controversial. Individuals with different "I"-concepts see the world differently. Such a concept could bedistorted, and what does not fit under it is forced out by consciousness. The level of satisfaction with life is a measure of the fullness of happiness. It directly depends on the consistency between the real and the ideal "I".

Among the needs, the humanistic approach in personality psychology highlights:

• self-actualization;
• strive for self-expression;
• strive for self-improvement.

The dominant among them is self-actualization. It unites all theorists in this field, even with significant differences in views. But the most common for consideration was the concept of the views of Maslow A.

He noted that all self-actualizing people are involved in some business. They are devoted to him, and the cause is something very valuable for a person (a kind of vocation). People of this type strive for decency, beauty, justice, kindness and perfection. These values are the vital needs and the meaning of self-actualization. For such a person, existence appears as a process of constant choice: move forward or retreat and not fight. Self-actualization is the path of constant development and rejection of illusions, getting rid of false ideas.

What is the essence of the humanistic approach in psychology

Traditionally, the humanistic approach includes the theories of Allport G. about personality traits, Maslow A. about self-actualization, Rogers K. about directive psychotherapy, about the life path of Buhler Sh.'s personality, as well as the ideas of Maya R. Mainthe provisions of the concept of humanism in psychology are as follows:

• initially, a person has a constructive true power;
• the formation of destructive forces occurs as development progresses;
• a person has a motive for self-actualization;
• on the path of self-actualization there are obstacles that prevent the effective functioning of the individual.

Key terms of the concept:

• congruence;
• positive and unconditional acceptance of yourself and others;
• empathic listening and understanding.

Main objectives of the approach:

• ensuring the full functioning of the personality;
• creating conditions for self-actualization;
• teaching spontaneity, openness, authenticity, friendliness and acceptance;
• education of empathy (sympathy and complicity);
• develop the capacity for internal evaluation;
• openness to new things.

This approach has limitations in application. These are psychotics and children. A negative result is possible with the direct impact of therapy in an aggressive social environment.

On the principles of a humanistic approach

The main principles of the humanistic approach can be summarized briefly:

• with all the limitation of being, a person has freedom and independence to realize it;
• an important source of information is the existentiality and subjective experience of the individual;
• human nature always strives for continuous development;
• man is one and whole;
• personalityis unique, it needs self-realization;
• man is looking to the future and is an active creative being.

From principles comes responsibility for actions. A person is not an unconscious tool and not a slave to formed habits. Initially, his nature is positive and good. Maslow and Rogers believed that personal growth is often hindered by defense mechanisms and fears. After all, often self-esteem is at odds with the one that others give a person. Therefore, he faces a dilemma - the choice between accepting an assessment from the outside and the desire to remain with his own.

Existentiality and humanism

Psychologists representing the existential-humanistic approach are Binswanger L., Frankl W., May R., Byudzhental, Yalom. The described approach developed in the second half of the twentieth century. We list the main provisions of this concept:

• a person is considered from the position of real existence;
• he should strive for self-actualization and self-realization;
• a person is responsible for his choice, existence and realization of his own potentials;
• personality is free and has many choices. The problem is to avoid it;
• anxiety is a consequence of the unfulfillment of one's potential;
• often a person does not realize that he is a slave of patterns and habits, is not an authentic person and lives false. To change such a state, it is necessary to realize one's true position;
• man suffers from loneliness, although helonely initially, as he comes into the world and leaves it alone.

The main goals pursued by the existential-humanistic approach are:

• bringing up responsibility, the ability to set tasks and solve them;
• learning to be active and overcome difficulties;
• search for activities where you can express yourself freely;
• overcoming suffering, experiencing "peak" moments;
• learning the concentration of choice;
• search for authentic meanings.

Free choice, openness to upcoming new events - a guide for the individual. Such a concept rejects conformism. These qualities are embedded in human biology.

Humanism in upbringing and education

The norms and principles that promote a humanistic approach in education are focused on ensuring that the "educator/pupil" relationship system is based on respect and justice.

So, in the pedagogy of C. Rogers, the teacher must awaken the student's own strength to solve his problems, and not decide for him. You can not impose a ready-made solution. The goal is to stimulate personal work of change and growth, and these are limitless. The main thing is not a set of facts and theories, but the transformation of the student's personality as a result of independent learning. The task of education is to develop the possibilities of self-development and self-actualization, the search for one's individuality. K. Rogers defined the following conditions under which this task is implemented:

• pupils in the learning process solve problems that are significant to them;
• teacher in relation tostudents feel congruent;
• he treats students unconditionally;
• the teacher shows empathy for the students (penetration into the inner world of the student, looking at the environment through his eyes, while remaining himself;
• teacher - assistant, stimulator (creates favorable conditions for the student);
• he encourages students to make moral choices by providing material for analysis.

A person who is brought up is the highest value that has the right to a decent life and happiness. Therefore, the humanistic approach in education, which affirms the rights and freedom of the child, contributes to his creative development and self-development, is a priority direction in pedagogy.

This approach requires analysis. In addition, a full-fledged deep understanding of concepts (diametrically opposed) is necessary: life and death, lies and honesty, aggression and goodwill, hatred and love…

Sports education and humanism

Currently, the humanistic approach to training an athlete excludes the process of preparation and training, when the athlete acts as a mechanical subject, achieving the result set before him.

Studies have shown that often athletes, achieving physical perfection, cause serious harm to the psyche and their he alth. It happens that inadequate loads are applied. This works for both young and mature athletes. As a result, this approach leads to psychological breakdowns. But at the same time, researchshow that the possibilities for the formation of the athlete's personality, its moral, spiritual attitudes, the formation of motivation are endless. An approach aimed at its development can be fully implemented if the values of both the athlete and the coach are changed. Such an attitude should become more humane.

The formation of humanistic qualities in an athlete is a rather complicated and lengthy process. It must be systematic and requires the trainer (educator, teacher) to master the technologies of high subtlety. This approach is focused on a humanistic setting - the development of the individual, his mental, physical he alth through sports and physical culture.

Governance and humanism

Today, various organizations strive to constantly improve the level of culture of their staff. In Japan, for example, any enterprise (firm) is for its employees not just a place to earn money for living, but also a place that unites individual colleagues into a team. The spirit of cooperation and interdependence are important to him.

Organization is an extension of the family. The humanistic approach to management is seen as a process that creates a reality that enables people to see events, understand them, act according to the situation, giving meaning and significance to their own behavior. In fact, rules are means, and the main action occurs at the moment of choice.

Every aspect of the organization is loaded with symbolic meaning and helps create reality. The humanistic approach focuses on the individual, not the organization. To accomplish this, it is very important to be able to integrate into the existing value system and change in the new conditions of activity.