What are the basic assumptions of existential
and humanistic psychology?
According to existential psychology, what are the
basic motivational forces behind human behavior?
Humanistic psychology has been criticized most for
its vagueness, untestability, and overly positive
view of human nature. Do you think these
criticisms are warranted? Describe how they
specifically apply or fail to apply to the theories
of Rogers and Maslow.
Some of Maslow's needs parallel the needs
postulated by various psychodynamic theorists,
including Freud and Erikson. Discuss the
similarities between them. Where does "self-actualization" fit into
psychodynamic theory , if at all?
Rogerian therapy focuses on the discovery of the
"true self." Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the
discovery of unconscious urges that shape behavior.
How similar are these approaches? What are the
most important differences between them?
