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Theories and Theorists

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Submitted By ladyklynn
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Theories and Theorists Application 1 Week 5
Kimberly Perkins
Walden University

Theory is described as “a set of interrelated constructs, definitions and propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables with the purpose of explaining natural phenomena” (Creswell, 2009). There are multiple theories that are used in the field of psychology such as Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Learning Theory and Personality Theories to name a few. For the purpose of this paper I have chosen to further explore the Humanistic and Developmental Theories. Humanistic Theory believes that humans are different from all organisms and that they control all events and destinies that shape the world around them (Crandell, Crandell and Zanden, 2009). Humanistic theorists believe in the holistic approach, the whole individual and their surroundings are taken into account and they are not just seen as a number or data that is being collected. These theorists argue that “scientific inquiry should be directed toward helping people achieve freedom, hope and self-fulfillment ( Crandell et al. 2009). The goal in mind for this theory is to have the individual viewed as the controller of their situation, making the individual more motivated and have increased self-esteem. One of the greatest Humanistic theorists in my opinion was Carl Rogers. Carl Rogers was born in 1902 in Oak Park Illinois. Roger’s initial major was in agriculture however after 2 years he decided to enter in ministry and in 1922 after a trip to Asia he decided to leave ministry and begin work in child guidance. Roger’s later graduated with his Ph.D. and with several others formed the Center for the Studies of the Person(Pervin, Cervone and Oliver, 2005). In an attempt to understand humans and their behavior Rogers would observe and then use the information gathered from

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