Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories
Name
PSY/405
Date
Teacher
University

Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories
In a perfect world, there would only be one, if not two different types of personality theories that psychologists would have to choose from in order to diagnose and treat their patients with, but variety, as they say, is the spice of life. In addition to that of psychodynamic personality theories, another set of equally important, and perhaps more interesting are that of humanistic and existential theories, made popular by psychologists Carl Rodger and Abraham Maslow.
Humanistic and Existential Analysis Individual Personalities
Humanistic and Existential theories focus on the different aspects of an individual in his or her journey toward self-actualization. Abraham Maslow’s holistic-dynamic (humanistic) approach focuses on the needs of an individual and how the fulfillment of those needs help or hinder one journey. Although the needs are intrinsic to humans, the progress to the next step is contingent upon the fulfillment, or satisfaction of the prior need (Feist, & Feist, 2009).
Carl Rogers’s client-centered theory also includes needs but goes farther to explain the significance of self-awareness in reaching self-actualization. Maslow’s and Rogers encompassing approach toward understanding human motivation included the evaluation of one’s physical, mental, and social conditions as well as the positive aspect of an individual‘s personality (Feist, & Feist, 2009). Rollo May’s existential theory basically adds to, and sums up Maslow’s and Rogers’s theories, by including responsibility into the equation.
Each theory plays off the other. Abraham Maslow’s theory provides the needs that must be met, Carl Rogers’s theory stresses the importance of self-awareness, and recognizing the difference factors that