Third force Psychology

Third Force Psychology, also known as humanistic psychology, is a movement within psychology that
emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the predominant psychoanalytic and behaviorist
approaches.

Humanistic psychology is often referred to as the "third force" of psychology because it emerged as a
distinct movement following the dominance of two other major schools of thought: psychoanalysis (the
first force) and behaviorism (the second force).

1. First Force: Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, dominated psychology

in the early 20th century. It focused on unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and the
role of instinctual drives in shaping behavior. Psychoanalytic theory emphasized the importance
of resolving unconscious conflicts and traumas to achieve psychological health.

2. Second Force: Behaviorism: Behaviorism arose in the early to mid-20th century as a reaction
against the subjective and introspective methods of psychoanalysis. Behaviorists such as John B.
Watson and B.F. Skinner advocated for a more objective and scientific approach to psychology,
focusing on observable behaviors and the environmental factors that influence them.
Behaviorism emphasized the role of conditioning and reinforcement in learning and behavior.

3. Third Force: Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic psychology emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as
a response to the perceived limitations of both psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Humanistic
psychologists rejected the deterministic views of behaviorism and the emphasis on unconscious
conflicts in psychoanalysis. Instead, they emphasized the unique qualities of human beings, their
capacity for growth, self-actualization, and personal fulfillment. Humanistic psychology focused
on subjective experiences, personal agency, and the pursuit of meaning in life.

It emphasized a holistic and positive approach to understanding human behavior and

promoting psychological well-being, focusing on themes such as self-actualization, personal
growth, and the inherent dignity and potential of individuals.

Key concepts within Third Force Psychology include:

1. Self-actualization: The process of realizing one's potential, becoming the best version of oneself,
and achieving personal fulfillment. Humanistic psychologists, notably Abraham Maslow,
proposed that individuals have an innate drive to realize their full potential and become the best
version of themselves.

2. Client-centered therapy: Developed by Carl Rogers, this therapeutic approach emphasizes

empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness on the part of the therapist to
facilitate the client's self-exploration and growth. It emphasizes the importance of providing
unconditional positive regard and empathy in therapeutic relationships. They believe that a
supportive and nonjudgmental environment is essential for facilitating personal growth and self-
exploration.
3. Subjective experiences: Humanistic psychologists prioritize the subjective experiences of
individuals, including their thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and values. They believe that
understanding these subjective experiences is essential for understanding human behavior and
promoting personal growth.

4. Hierarchy of needs: Proposed by Abraham Maslow, this theory suggests that humans have a
hierarchy of needs, ranging from basic physiological needs (such as food and shelter) to higher-
level needs (such as self-esteem and self-actualization). Maslow argued that individuals must
satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level ones.

5. Existential psychology: Developed by psychologists like Rollo May and Viktor Frankl, existential
psychology focuses on the search for meaning, freedom, and responsibility in human existence.
It explores themes such as death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness, and emphasizes the
importance of confronting existential concerns to live authentically.

6. Holistic perspective: Third Force Psychology emphasizes the holistic nature of human
experience, viewing individuals as complex beings influenced by biological, psychological, social,
and spiritual factors. Humanistic psychology views individuals as whole persons rather than
reducing them to their component parts or behaviors. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of
mind, body, and spirit, and considers the individual within the context of their social and cultural
environment.

7. Personal agency: Humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy,

free will, and personal responsibility. It asserts that individuals have the capacity to make
choices and exert control over their lives, rather than being passive victims of external forces.
It’s focus is on existential concerns such as choice, authenticity, and the search for meaning in
life.
Humanistic psychology emerged as a movement rather than being founded by a single individual.

Carl Rogers:

 Rogers is known for his development of client-centered therapy, also known as person-centered
therapy. This approach emphasizes the therapist's empathetic understanding, unconditional
positive regard, and genuineness to facilitate the client's self-exploration and personal growth.
Rogers believed that individuals have an innate drive towards self-actualization and that therapy
should provide a supportive environment for this process.

 Rogers proposed a theory of self, suggesting that individuals have a self-concept composed of
beliefs and perceptions about themselves. He emphasized the importance of congruence
between the self-concept and actual experience for psychological health and well-being.

 Notable Book: "On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy" (1961) - In this
book, Rogers outlines the principles of client-centered therapy and discusses his views on the
therapeutic relationship and the process of personal growth.

Rogerian Self Psychology

Rogerian self-psychology is a term that combines elements of Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy with
broader concepts of self-psychology. It essentially refers to the integration of Carl Rogers' humanistic
approach with the principles of self-psychology, a theory developed by Heinz Kohut.

Rogerian self-psychology, then, combines elements of Rogers' person-centered therapy with the insights
of self-psychology, particularly in understanding the role of relationships and empathy in fostering
personal growth and psychological well-being. It emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive
therapeutic environment in which clients feel validated, understood, and accepted, while also exploring
the ways in which disruptions in early relationships may have influenced the development of the self.

1. Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Therapy: Carl Rogers developed person-centered therapy, also
known as client-centered therapy, which emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard,
and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. Rogers believed that individuals have an innate
drive towards self-actualization and that therapy should provide a supportive environment for
personal growth and self-exploration. In person-centered therapy, the therapist acts as a
facilitator, creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for the client to explore their thoughts,
feelings, and experiences.

2. Heinz Kohut's Self-Psychology: Heinz Kohut was a psychoanalyst who developed self-psychology
as an alternative to traditional psychoanalytic theory. Self-psychology focuses on the formation
and maintenance of the self, emphasizing the importance of relationships, empathy, and the
mirroring and idealizing functions of others in the development of a healthy self-concept. Kohut
proposed that individuals have basic needs for validation, empathy, and recognition from
others, and disruptions in these needs can lead to disturbances in the self.
 Abraham Maslow:

 Contributions: Maslow is best known for his theory of human motivation, particularly the
hierarchy of needs. He proposed that individuals have a hierarchy of needs, ranging from basic
physiological needs to higher-level needs such as self-actualization. Maslow proposed that
individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level ones.

Notable Book: "Motivation and Personality" (1954): This seminal work outlines Maslow's
hierarchy of needs theory and discusses the various levels of human motivation.

 Maslow emphasized the importance of fulfilling these needs in order to achieve personal growth
and self-actualization. Maslow introduced the concept of self-actualization, which refers to the
process of realizing one's full potential and becoming the best version of oneself. He believed
that self-actualization involves personal growth, fulfillment, and the pursuit of meaningful goals.

Notable Book: "Toward a Psychology of Being" (1962): In this book, Maslow further develops his
theory of self-actualization and explores the characteristics of self-actualized individuals.
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology that suggests individuals have a
hierarchy of needs, typically depicted as a pyramid with five levels. According to Maslow, individuals
must satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level ones. The hierarchy, from the most
basic to the highest level, consists of the following:

1. Physiological Needs: At the base of the hierarchy are physiological needs, which are essential
for survival. These include needs such as air, water, food, shelter, sleep, and reproduction.
Without meeting these basic physiological needs, individuals cannot move on to addressing
higher-level needs.

2. Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, individuals seek safety and security. This
includes physical safety as well as financial security, health, stability, and protection from
physical and emotional harm. Safety needs encompass the desire for predictability, order, and
control in one's environment.

3. Love and Belongingness Needs: The third level of the hierarchy involves the need for love and
belongingness. This includes the desire for social connections, intimacy, friendship, and love.
Humans are social beings, and satisfying this need involves forming meaningful relationships
and feeling accepted and valued by others.

4. Esteem Needs: After fulfilling the lower-level needs, individuals strive for esteem needs, which
Maslow divided into two categories:

 Esteem from Others: This involves the need for respect, recognition, appreciation, and
admiration from others. It includes receiving positive feedback, validation, and social
status.

 Self-Esteem: This refers to the need for self-respect, self-confidence, competence, and a
sense of accomplishment. It involves developing a positive self-image and feeling
capable and worthy.

5. Self-Actualization: At the top of the hierarchy is self-actualization, which represents the

realization of one's full potential and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment. Self-
actualized individuals are characterized by creativity, spontaneity, autonomy, problem-solving
skills, and a strong sense of purpose and inner direction. They engage in activities that are
intrinsically rewarding and meaningful, rather than being driven by external rewards or social
expectations.
 Rollo May:

1. "The Meaning of Anxiety" (1950): In this influential work, May examines the existential roots of
anxiety and discusses how individuals can confront and transcend their anxieties to live more
authentic lives. He explores the role of anxiety in human existence and its significance in
motivating individuals to confront existential concerns.

2. "Love and Will" (1969): In this book, May explores the complex interplay between love and will
in human relationships and personal growth. He examines the dynamics of love, intimacy, and
commitment, as well as the role of willpower in overcoming obstacles and pursuing one's goals.
 Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It
suggests that humans are responsible for giving meaning to their lives in a seemingly indifferent
universe.

Existentialism posits several key tenets:

1. Existence precedes essence: Individuals exist first and then define themselves through their
actions and choices.

2. Freedom and responsibility: Humans are free to make choices, but they must also bear the
responsibility for those choices.

3. Authenticity: Encourages individuals to live authentically by making choices that reflect their
true selves, rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations.

4. Absurdity of existence: Acknowledges the inherent lack of inherent meaning or purpose in the
universe, leaving individuals to create their own meaning.

5. Embracing anxiety and despair: Accepts the inevitable anxiety and despair that comes with
confronting the uncertainties of existence.

Existentialism's contributions include:

1. Emphasis on individuality: It highlights the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals,

rather than trying to fit them into predefined categories.

2. Critique of traditional values: Existentialism challenges traditional moral and social values,
encouraging individuals to question authority and find their own truths.

3. Influence on psychology: Existentialist ideas have influenced psychology, particularly in areas

such as existential therapy and the study of human consciousness.

4. Impact on literature and art: Many literary works and artistic movements have been inspired by
existentialist themes, exploring questions of identity, alienation, and the human condition.

5. Re-evaluation of meaning: Existentialism prompts people to reconsider what gives their lives
meaning and purpose, leading to a more introspective and self-aware approach to life.
Existentialism doesn't have a single founder, but its roots can be traced back to several influential
thinkers who laid the groundwork for the movement.

1. Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855): Often considered the "father of existentialism"

 Danish philosopher who emphasized the individual's subjective experience, the

importance of personal choice, and the concept of "leap of faith" in religious belief.

 For Kierkegaard, faith involves a passionate commitment and a willingness to embrace

uncertainty and doubt. It requires individuals to make a leap beyond the confines of
reason.

 Kierkegaard's concept of the leap of faith reflects his emphasis on the subjective
experience of faith and the importance of individual choice and commitment in matters
of religious belief.

2. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900):

 German philosopher known for critiquing traditional morality and values, emphasizing
the importance of individual will, self-overcoming, and the pursuit of one's unique path
or "will to power."

 For Nietzsche, the "will to power" represents a fundamental driving force in human
beings and in the natural world. It encompasses the desire for self-enhancement, self-
assertion, and the pursuit of one's own goals and interests. The will to power is not just
about physical strength or dominance over others but also about the exertion of one's
creative, intellectual, and spiritual energies.

3. Martin Heidegger (1889–1976):

 German philosopher who explored the nature of being (ontology) and the human
experience of existence, introducing the concept of "Dasein" (being-in-the-world) as
fundamental to understanding human existence.

 Heidegger uses this term to refer to human existence in a way that goes beyond the
individual's subjective experience and encompasses their existence within the world.

4. Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980):

 French philosopher and novelist who popularized existentialism in the 20th century. He
emphasized human freedom, responsibility, and the absurdity of existence in works like
"Being and Nothingness" (1943).

 Sartre argues that human existence is fundamentally absurd because there is no

inherent meaning or purpose in the universe.
  According to Sartre, humans have a deep-seated desire to find meaning and purpose in
their lives. However, he contends that this quest is ultimately futile because the
universe is indifferent to human concerns. In the absence of inherent meaning,
individuals are faced with the daunting task of creating their own meaning through their
choices and actions.

 Sartre famously states that "existence precedes essence," meaning that individuals exist
first and then define themselves through their choices and actions.

5. Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986):

 French existentialist philosopher, writer, and feminist theorist. Her works, including
"The Second Sex" (1949), explored ethics, freedom, and the lived experience of women
in society.

 In this book, de Beauvoir examines the status and experiences of women in society,
providing a comprehensive analysis of the ways in which women have been historically
marginalized and oppressed.

 Drawing on existentialist philosophy, de Beauvoir asserts that women, like men, are
fundamentally free and responsible agents who must assert their autonomy and
transcend societal limitations. She calls for women to reject passivity and assert their
agency in defining their own lives.

 De Beauvoir advocates for women's education, economic independence, and political

empowerment as essential steps toward achieving gender equality.

6. Albert Camus (1913–1960):

 French-Algerian philosopher and author known for his absurdist philosophy, which
examines the human condition in a seemingly indifferent universe. His works include
"The Stranger" (1942) and "The Myth of Sisyphus" (1942).