History/Systems of Psychology

3.2 Discussion. The Rise of Humanism

Getting Started

Humanism has been commonly referred to as the “third force” in psychology, with the psychodynamic and behaviorist perspectives being the first two major theoretical framworks or forces. Together, these three theories laid the foundation for modern psychology. Humanism came upon the scene in the mid-twentieth century and is now a more potent force in modern culture than ever.  Interestingly, Positive Psychology is being noted as the “fourth force” in the field of psychology and thus the value of understanding the history of all four perspectives cannot be overly emphasized.

A humanistic approach emphasizes principles such as empathy, equality, and creativity. You can see a humanistic touch being applied in areas like sensitivity training at the workplace. Here, individuals are taught to extend respect to others. Each person has dignity and worth and should be treated as such.

You also can see humanistic principles at work in healthcare. Modern healthcare has been criticized by many as an increasingly depersonalized, and depersonalizing, experience. When humanistic principles are applied, peoples’ individual needs are taken into consideration. Their stories are listened to, their time is respected, and their care is individualized according to their needs.

Carl Rogers was a pioneer in humanistic psychology. He believed that one of the greatest skills a therapist could bring to a client was the ability to provide accurate empathy in the therapeutic interaction. It is a difficult skill to practice because it requires careful listening, sensitive reflection of the client’s core message, and discipline not to “fix” the client’s problem by giving advice. Roger’s believed that with this type of supportive empathy clients could work out their own solution to the problems they were facing. This was indicative of the high value he placed on each person and their potential to better their own lives.

In this discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at the development of humanism in the mid-twentieth century to learn what societal factors helped it become so popular so quickly. You’ll also discuss how humanism fares when you place it against a biblical worldview. This requires some critical thinking. There are many helpful ideas within humanistic theory that are compatible with a biblical worldview, but there are also some significant diversions. You’ll have the opportunity to sort these out in the discussion.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Analyze cultural trends regarding humanism.

Resources

· Textbook:  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications

· Web Article: Overview of Humanistic Psychology

· Video: Humanistic Theory

Background Information

Before beginning the discussion, be sure to read the assigned chapter in the textbook and the article “Overview of Humanistic Psychology,” and watch the video titled “Humanistic Theory.” To better understand the societal factors that influenced humanistic theory in the mid-twentieth century, it may be necessary to do additional research. The combination of these sources will provide a solid base for informed opinions in the discussion. The idea is to bring content value to the discussion to enhance learning for all involved.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 16, “Humanistic Psychologies,” in your textbook,  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications.

2. Read the article “ Overview of Humanistic Psychology ” on the Verywell Mind website.

3. Watch the video “ Humanistic Theory ” (6:05 min).  (Closed captioning is provided.)

4. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:

a. What was humanism offering that was new and appealing to people at the time?

b. What was happening in the larger culture of the 1960s that may have helped propel humanism into popularity?

c. Humanism places the person at the center of his or her life and considers self-actualization as the ultimate life goal. How does this compare with a biblical worldview of who we are and our ultimate purpose in life?

d. Does humanistic thought draw you closer to God? Explain.

5. Your initial post:

a. Should be 400 to 500 words.

b. Is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.

6. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

3.4 Assignment. Personal Reflection Journal: Continuing the Hero’s Journey

Getting Started

The Hero’s Journey has been an ongoing theme in these courses and we revisit it here.

This idea of the Hero’s Journey was popularized by writer Joseph Campbell in the mid-twentieth century in his book  The Hero with a Thousand Faces. When we think of heroic figures in literature or film, we think of the epic journeys of Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, Dorothy from the  Wizard of Oz, or Indiana Jones, among others. Our memory tends to drift to all the harrowing circumstances these characters faced on their journey. But the real measure of a hero is whether those challenges have changed them for the better. Have the challenges they’ve faced made them wiser, more attuned to the needs of others, and more purposeful in how they live their lives?

You were also born into a specific time such as this. The cultural context and time in history have a tremendous impact on how you live your life and the challenges you will face. So, since you are on your own journey  during a specific time in history, it’s a good time to ask: How are you being changed as you traverse the challenges in your life? As a student, it’s easy to think your journey mostly entails getting your assignments in on time and finishing your degree. While those are important, they are not the core of the Hero’s Journey. Your biggest challenge is to consistently apply what you are learning. It is through the application of your learning that you are transformed into the hero. Heroes don’t just think about their journey; they are actively problem-solving, pushing against fears, integrating their faith, and dismantling obstacles that threaten to stop their momentum. You are on a journey to learn more about yourself, your faith, and the work God has for you to do as you move forward in your life.

In this journal entry, you have the opportunity to pause and reflect on your journey thus far. The instructions give you three quotes from Joseph Campbell that all speak to different aspects of the Hero’s Journey. You are to choose one of the quotes that most resonates with where you are on that journey and answer the questions from that vantage point.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Integrate previous insights from personality assessments with a present goal that is applied to the Hero’s Journey.

Resources

· None

Background Information

You will add this as a new journal entry to the Personal Reflection Journal you began in PSY-520.

Instructions

1. Open your ongoing Personal Reflection Journal that you saved in a Word document.

2. Title this new journal entry PSY-530 3.4 Continuing the Hero's Journey, <Day, Month Year>.

3. quotes to write about in your Personal Reflection Journal for this workshop:

a. “We’re not on our journey to save the world but to save ourselves. But in doing that you save the world. The influence of a vital person vitalizes.”—Joseph Campbell

4. As you write your journal during this session, reflect on the quote you chose by Joseph Campbell and respond to the following questions:

a. How does this quote relate to a takeaway or insight you’ve had about your personality since beginning your degree program? Be specific.

b. How does the quote relate to a goal you have for your life as you look into the future?

c. How might your chosen quote or a takeaway that seems important be incorporated into your TED-style talk that you will be developing and presenting in the Capstone course?

d. How would you describe your Hero’s Journey thus far?

5. Your entry should be 400–500 words in length.

3.3 Assignment. Making Meaning Out of Suffering

Getting Started

Life is full of difficulties and challenges, though none, perhaps, as difficult as when one suffers permanent loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, of physical or mental health, of financial resources, a job, or a host of other scenarios. As people of faith, are we just to cope with these losses or is there a way to find meaning amid the pain and struggle? That is the question you will be wrestling with in this assignment.

As inspiration for sorting out your thoughts, you will be exposed to the work of Victor Frankl, another leading proponent of humanistic theory. Frankl experienced a depth of loss like few will know. He spent years in a German concentration camp during World War II, and during his time there, he saw several of his immediate family members die in the camp. Yet, despite the horrific conditions and the immense personal loss and grief he experienced while a prisoner, he attributes his ability to stay alive during that period of life by finding meaning amid the suffering. In fact, many who lived with Frankl at the concentration camp credit him for saving their lives. He helped them find meaning that transcended the utter despair that threatened to swallow them.

In this assignment, you will take a closer look at Frankl’s life experience and perspective on meaning amid suffering and decide where you stand on the issue. There are many nuances that can be explored here. You will also put on your critical thinking hat to discern how Frankl’s ideas on suffering compare to a biblical perspective on suffering. Finally, you have the opportunity to apply these ideas to a situation in your own life. This is one of those assignments you will be glad you thought through carefully should you need it later in life.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Reflect on humanistic theory from the vantage point of Frankl’s experience of suffering.

Resources

· Video: Man Alive: Victor Frankl

· Article: Victor Frankl

Background Information

Before starting the paper for this assignment, watch the interview video with Victor Frankl, where he explains his perspective on suffering and meaning. The article on Victor Frankl will also fill in gaps that will help you understanding his perspective more completely. The point of this assignment is to think deeply and critically about how suffering, pain, loss, and disappointment can be redeemed. Our ultimate example of suffering is Jesus, who willingly chose to be arrested, shamed, beaten, and ultimately, crucified for our sins. His suffering was certainly not without meaning. In light of his example and other scripture that speaks to this issue, how should we approach suffering and how do we create meaning amid the suffering? Keep those points in mind as you work through the questions in this assignment.

Instructions

1. View the video “ Man Alive: Victor Frankl ” (21:15 min) and/or read:  Man Alive: Victor Frankl Transcript .

a. Note: Scroll down to the video that appears under the words: “We meet Viktor Frankl himself, in an interview with Roy Bonisteel of CBC television's  Man Alive.”)

2. Read the article “ Victor Frankl ” on the GoodTherapy website.

3. Write a three- to four-page paper that addresses the following:

a. Based upon the video interview with Frankl, how would you summarize the core premise of his humanistic theory?

b. How was this theory shaped by his life experiences in the Nazi concentration camps?

c. Do you agree or disagree with Frankl’s idea that you can find meaning amid suffering? Explain.

d. Would you say that Frankl’s view of suffering coincides with or differs from a biblical view of suffering?

e. What life experience have you had where meaning was difficult to find? Has exposure to Frankl’s views given new meaning to that life experience? Explain.

4. Though the questions are more reflective in nature, attempt to be objective as you interact with Frankl’s ideas and how they relate to humanistic theory. Incorporate at least two outside sources for objectivity with in-text citations and a reference page in correct  APA Style  formatting.

3.2 Discussion. The Rise of Humanism

Getting Started

Humanism has been commonly referred to as the “third force” in psychology, with the psychodynamic and behaviorist perspectives being the first two major theoretical framworks or forces. Together, these three theories laid the foundation for modern psychology. Humanism came upon the scene in the mid-twentieth century and is now a more potent force in modern culture than ever.  Interestingly, Positive Psychology is being noted as the “fourth force” in the field of psychology and thus the value of understanding the history of all four perspectives cannot be overly emphasized.

A humanistic approach emphasizes principles such as empathy, equality, and creativity. You can see a humanistic touch being applied in areas like sensitivity training at the workplace. Here, individuals are taught to extend respect to others. Each person has dignity and worth and should be treated as such.

You also can see humanistic principles at work in healthcare. Modern healthcare has been criticized by many as an increasingly depersonalized, and depersonalizing, experience. When humanistic principles are applied, peoples’ individual needs are taken into consideration. Their stories are listened to, their time is respected, and their care is individualized according to their needs.

Carl Rogers was a pioneer in humanistic psychology. He believed that one of the greatest skills a therapist could bring to a client was the ability to provide accurate empathy in the therapeutic interaction. It is a difficult skill to practice because it requires careful listening, sensitive reflection of the client’s core message, and discipline not to “fix” the client’s problem by giving advice. Roger’s believed that with this type of supportive empathy clients could work out their own solution to the problems they were facing. This was indicative of the high value he placed on each person and their potential to better their own lives.

In this discussion, you’ll have the opportunity to take a closer look at the development of humanism in the mid-twentieth century to learn what societal factors helped it become so popular so quickly. You’ll also discuss how humanism fares when you place it against a biblical worldview. This requires some critical thinking. There are many helpful ideas within humanistic theory that are compatible with a biblical worldview, but there are also some significant diversions. You’ll have the opportunity to sort these out in the discussion.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Analyze cultural trends regarding humanism.

Resources

· Textbook:  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications

· Web Article: Overview of Humanistic Psychology

· Video: Humanistic Theory

Background Information

Before beginning the discussion, be sure to read the assigned chapter in the textbook and the article “Overview of Humanistic Psychology,” and watch the video titled “Humanistic Theory.” To better understand the societal factors that influenced humanistic theory in the mid-twentieth century, it may be necessary to do additional research. The combination of these sources will provide a solid base for informed opinions in the discussion. The idea is to bring content value to the discussion to enhance learning for all involved.

Instructions

1. Read Chapter 16, “Humanistic Psychologies,” in your textbook,  A History of Psychology: The Emergence of Science and Applications.

2. Read the article “ Overview of Humanistic Psychology ” on the Verywell Mind website.

3. Watch the video “ Humanistic Theory ” (6:05 min).  (Closed captioning is provided.)

4. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:

a. What was humanism offering that was new and appealing to people at the time?

b. What was happening in the larger culture of the 1960s that may have helped propel humanism into popularity?

c. Humanism places the person at the center of his or her life and considers self-actualization as the ultimate life goal. How does this compare with a biblical worldview of who we are and our ultimate purpose in life?

d. Does humanistic thought draw you closer to God? Explain.

5. Your initial post:

a. Should be 400 to 500 words.

b. Is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.

6. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.