Humanistic theories are a set of psychological approaches that emphasize the uniqueness and worth of each individual. They focus on understanding an individual's subjective experience, their inner life, and how they view themselves in relation to others. This approach is rooted in the idea that humans have innate potential for growth and self-actualization, which can be fulfilled if individuals are allowed to explore their own needs, beliefs, values, and goals without external judgment or interference.
The most influential humanistic psychologist was Abraham Maslow, who proposed his famous Hierarchy of Needs theory in 1943. According to this model, people possess different levels of needs that must be met before they can reach true fulfillment; these include basic physiological requirements such as food and shelter, followed by safety needs, social belongingness and love needs, and esteem needs (which include both respect from others and self-respect) until finally reaching self-actualization at the top level, where people strive to reach their full potential.
Another important humanist theorist was Carl Rogers, whose Person-Centered Therapy sought to create a safe environment for clients so they could express themselves freely without fear of being judged or criticized by their therapist; it focused on unconditional positive regard (acceptance), empathy, genuineness (authenticity), congruence (honesty), and a nonjudgmental attitude towards clients as core elements necessary for effective therapy sessions.
Finally, Rollo May developed Existential Psychotherapy, which highlighted themes such as freedom, choice, responsibility, death, anxiety, loneliness, meaninglessness, etc. while emphasizing personal responsibility over predetermined fate or destiny when facing existential issues. He believed every person has unique capacities, abilities, talents, passions, dreams, hopes, etc. that should be explored with courage, honesty, openness, compassion, vulnerability, creativity, etc. so one could find meaning, purpose, and direction. Overall, humanistic theories provide valuable insights into how we perceive ourselves, our relationships with other people, and our capacity for growth.