The Relevance of Humanistic Psychology

Abstract

Humanistic psychology, as with any paradigm, is defined by its position with respect to matters of content, method, and approach. This article reviews how the humanistic paradigm defined itself in these respects in its founding generation and then looks ahead to the question of its relevance for the future. It demonstrates that the humanistic vision is historically one of holism. Furthermore, this holistic vision is precisely what is most needed to resolve crucial issues of the next generation, including globalization, health, ecology, and spirituality. By fulfilling its own potential as holistic psychology, the humanistic paradigm can continue to flourish by providing a time-less vision to a world in timely need of it.