Eupsychian Psychology
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Eupsychian Psychology
Eupsychian Psychology ...
Concept Map
Abraham Maslow Terms
B-Cognition, B-Realm, B-Values, Big Problem, D-Cognition, D-Realm, Deficiency Diseases, Eupsychia, Eupsychian Education, Eupsychian Psychology, Eupsychian Theory, Eupsychian Therapy, Good Person, Good Science, Good Society, Good Specimen, Hierarchy of Basic Needs, Hierarchy of Cognitive Needs, Human Diminution, Humanistic Psychology, Inner Signals, Intrinsic Consciousness, Jonah Complex, Normalcy, Normative Biology, Peak Experience, Plateau Experience, Real Self, Self-Actualization, Transcending Self-Actualizers, Transhumanistic
Key Terms
Notes
Five Axioms of Humanistic Psychology
In the book "Future Visions,"[1] in Chapter 3, "Critique of Self-Actualization Theory," Maslow identifies five axioms of Humanistic Psychology. They are included here for theoretical consideration.
1. The Assumption of Life-Affirmation - The entire model rests on the belief that the person fundamentally wants to live. If an individual's death-wishes are strong, the whole psychological system collapses. Humanistic psychology speaks only to those who want to grow, become happier, and fulfill themselves.
2. The Assumption of Fixed Human Nature - Humanistic psychology assumes there is a definite human essence or "fixity of human nature"—a theory of instincts, capacities, and needs that "want" to express themselves. This directly rejects Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of total relativity and radical existentialism. Maslow believed human nature is not infinitely malleable but has definite characteristics.
3. The Assumption of Pluralism and Individual Differences - The theory requires a strong acceptance of hereditary, constitutional, and temperamental differences among people. This implies a "horticulture" rather than "sculpture" model of growth—helping a rose become a good rose rather than trying to change it into a lily. It necessitates respecting what people truly are and taking pleasure in their unique self-actualization.
4. The Assumption of Cross-Cultural Values - The model must address whether it has merely incorporated traditional Judeo-Christian values in evaluating emotional health. Maslow argued his model appears cross-cultural and cross-historical (evident in diverse cultures like Japanese and Blackfoot Native American), but acknowledged the possibility of sampling error and projecting his own values into his research.
5. The Assumption About Neurosis - Neurosis must be considered a psychological defense against the authentic self, not something basic to human nature. Maslow argued that effective therapy is Taoistic and uncovering (helping the person give birth to themselves) (in LP terms, helping them achieve Alignment and Internal Connection rather than shaping or indoctrinating. Positive human traits are strengthened by insight, while negative traits are destroyed by it, suggesting the former are intrinsic to humanness and the latter are reactive and sick. Here Maslow points directly to what I have called Deficit Mode. "It may be relevant to observe here that ordinary neurosis and even the value pathologies like delinquency may consequently be viewed as efforts toward the gratification of basic needs and metaneeds but under the conditions of anxiety, fear, and lack of courage."[2]
The Horticulure Model: "Maslow also spoke about the "horticulture" model of personality growth. "It means that we try to make a rose into a good rose, rather than seek to change roses into lilies."[3] Of course, we make a good rose by meeting its essential needs (water, nutrients, safety).
"In short, humanistic psychology involves an acceptance of people as they are at their intrinsic core and then regards therapists as simply Taoist helpersfor them. We strive to enable people to become healthy and effective in their own style."[4] "