Humanistic and Interactionist Theories of Psychology

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the humanistic personality researchers wanted to emphasize human tendencies toward self-improvement, self- actualization, autonomy and looking at the overall value of human beings; whereas, the interactionists, or trait situation interaction therapists, were more concerned with the combined dynamic influences of both personality traits and situations in order to acquire a gestalt understanding. The author points out that Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers are major contributors to humanistic psychology; Walter Mischel, Henry Murray (theory of needs) and Harry Sullivan (social interactions) are associated with trait situation interaction. The paper relates that one of the differences between humanistic psychology and trait situation interaction is how much of an emphasis to place on an individual's personality; the link between traits and situations has been more precisely specified in the interactionist approach; however, most humanistic psychologists apply an ideographic approach that looks at the entire individual and in context.

From the Paper:

"One of the main aspects of PSC is expressing empathy, which is based on Rogers' humanistic approach. Expressing empathy toward pain, anxiety, or anger does not mean reinforcing the way the child has handled a given problem, but helps the youth be less defensive and more ready to reevaluate his/her actions and approach change. Unlike punishment that addresses the feelings and needs (id) of the child or moralization that addresses the conscience (super ego), PSC addresses the ego. It encourages children to understand the event, be aware of their feelings, reevaluate their actions, examine the alternatives, make new decisions, construct a plan of action, and finally implement that plan. PSC aims to accomplish behavioral change and ease the personal growth of children."

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