AAMC Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PS) Full-Length (FL) 4 Practice Test

The primary focus of humanistic psychology is to emphasize individual potential and personal growth. This psychological perspective arose in response to the limitations of both behavioral and psychoanalytic approaches, which were seen as excessively deterministic. Humanistic psychology champions the idea that individuals have the capacity for self-awareness, personal responsibility, and self-actualization. It promotes the notion that people are inherently good and possess the resources for personal development, aiming to help individuals achieve their highest potential through a supportive therapeutic environment. This approach often includes concepts such as self-concept, self-esteem, and the importance of subjective experiences, all of which encourage personal growth and fulfillment.