Humanistic psychology and behavioral psychology are two distinct approaches to understanding human behavior and mental processes. Here are the key differences between the two:
1. Focus on Subjectivity vs. Objectivity:
- Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic psychology emphasizes the subjective experience of individuals, focusing on the uniqueness and inherent value of each person. It looks at the conscious thoughts, emotions, and self-perceptions, emphasizing personal growth, self-actualization, and the pursuit of meaning and fulfillment in life.
- Behavioral Psychology: Behavioral psychology, on the other hand, concentrates on observable and measurable behavior. It emphasizes objectivity and the influence of the environment on behavior, often employing experimental methods to study behavior in a controlled manner.
2. Free Will vs. Determinism:
- Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic psychologists generally believe in the concept of free will, suggesting that individuals have the capacity to make choices and direct their lives. They emphasize personal responsibility and the ability to shape one's destiny.
- Behavioral Psychology: Behavioral psychologists tend to adopt a deterministic view, asserting that behavior is primarily shaped by environmental factors, learning experiences, and reinforcement contingencies. They focus on how external stimuli and consequences influence behavior.
3. Therapy Approach:
- Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, is based on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening. Therapists aim to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment, empowering clients to explore their feelings, values, and aspirations to achieve personal growth and self-awareness.
- Behavioral Psychology: Behavioral therapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focuses on modifying specific behaviors and thought patterns. It seeks to address maladaptive behaviors by identifying and changing the underlying cognitive processes and conditioning responses through reinforcement or other behavior modification techniques.
4. Role of Unconscious Mind:
- Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic psychology generally downplays the role of the unconscious mind, instead emphasizing the conscious experience and the individual's self-awareness and self-concept.
- Behavioral Psychology: Behavioral psychology also tends to minimize the role of the unconscious mind. It primarily focuses on observable behaviors and the external factors that influence them.
5. Historical Development:
- Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic psychology emerged as a reaction to the deterministic and behaviorist views of human nature. It became more prominent in the mid-20th century as a third force in psychology, alongside psychoanalysis and behaviorism.
- Behavioral Psychology: Behavioral psychology was a dominant force in the early to mid-20th century, led by prominent figures like B.F. Skinner and John B. Watson. It aimed to establish psychology as a natural science, emphasizing observable behaviors over internal mental processes.
In summary, humanistic psychology highlights the subjective experience, personal growth, and individuality of humans, whereas behavioral psychology focuses on observable behavior, environmental influences, and the principles of learning. These two perspectives offer valuable insights into understanding human behavior and addressing psychological issues from different angles.