The Evolution of the Self-Help Movement
Originally conceived as a support network for individuals facing similar challenges, such as substance abuse, the self-help movement has transformed into a lucrative industry encompassing books and media aimed at motivating individuals to achieve self-actualization. Much like self-help, humanistic psychology also aims to assist individuals in realizing their full potential and becoming the best version of themselves. Additionally, humanistic psychology shares a common emphasis with self-help on the importance of one’s thought processes.
The Rise of Humanistic Psychology
Prior to the emergence of humanistic psychology, two dominant schools of thought prevailed: Freudian theory and behaviorism. Sigmund Freud proposed that our behaviors are driven by unconscious sexual motives, while B.F. Skinner’s behaviorism posited that our actions are merely instinctual responses to our surroundings. In stark contrast, humanistic psychology delves into the complexity of the human mind, exploring its desires, potential, and overall essence. It was in an effort to distinguish this novel approach that Abraham Maslow introduced the term “Third Force,” encapsulating the principles of humanistic psychology, which center around the concepts of identity, happiness, and other distinctively human needs.