Humanistic Psychology’s Impact and Accomplishments

Humanistic psychology shone most brightly during the revolutionary 1960s and 1970s. Referred to as “the encounter culture,” with a “sensitivity to others’ needs” including emotional self-expression, it was characterized by Carl Rogers as hunger for close relationships with fully-expressed emotions. One of the contributions of humanistic psychology to our culture was Rogers’ approach to conflict resolution using his emotionally honest approach, involving casual interaction in private, confidential settings, and with no set agenda other than the overriding issue, allowing for “troubled moments,” no matter how intense. Even international conflict was influenced, as when President Carter used this “Track II diplomacy” in reaching the Camp David Accord between Israel and Egypt. No greater contribution can be made than to save countries from mortal conflict by having them become more humanistic in their political negotiations.