The society is increasingly attracted by creative individuals who are able to withstand competition and who have mobility, intelligence and the ability to self-actualize and continuous creative self-development.
Interest in various manifestations of human life and the formation of personality is especially manifested in the humanistic direction of psychology and pedagogy. Thanks to him, a person is considered from the point of view of his uniqueness, integrity and desire for continuous personal improvement. The basis of the mentioned direction is the vision of the human in all individuals and the obligatory respect for the autonomy of the individual.
General concepts of humanism
"Humanism" in Latin means "humanity." And as a direction humanistic approach in philosophy arose in the Renaissance. He positioned himself under the name "Renaissance Humanism." This is a worldview, the main idea of ​​which is the assertion that man is a value above all earthly goods, and based on this postulate, it is necessary to build an attitude towards him.
In general terms, humanism is a worldview implying the value of a person’s personality, his right to freedom, a happy existence, full development and the possibility of manifesting one’s abilities. As a system of value orientations, today it took shape in the form of a set of ideas and values, affirming the universal significance of human existence both in general and in particular (for an individual person).
Before the concept "humanistic approach the concept of “humanity” was formed to the personality, which reflects such an important personality trait as willingness and desire to help other people, show respect, care, and complicity. Without humanity, in principle, the existence of the human race is impossible.
This is a quality of personality, which is the ability to consciously empathize with another person. In modern society, humanism is a social ideal, and man is the highest goal of social development, during which conditions must be created for the full realization of all its potential opportunities to achieve harmony in the social, economic, spiritual sphere and the highest prosperity of the individual.
The main foundations of a humanistic approach to man
Today, the interpretation of humanism focuses on the harmonious development of the intellectual abilities of a person, as well as on its spiritual, moral and aesthetic component. For this, it is important to discern in a person his potential data.
The goal of humanism is a full-fledged subject of activity, knowledge and communication, which is free, self-sufficient and responsible for what is happening in society. The measure that the humanistic approach implies determined by the prerequisites for self-realization of a person and the opportunities provided for this. The main thing is to let the personality reveal, to help her become free and responsible in her work.
The model of the formation of such a person, from the point of view of humanistic psychology, began its development in the USA (1950-1960). It was described in the works of Maslow A., Frank S., Rogers K., Kelly J., Combsi A., as well as other scientists.
Personality
The humanistic approach to human psychology described in the mentioned theory was deeply analyzed by scientists, psychologists. Of course, it cannot be said that this field has been completely investigated, but significant theoretical research has been done in it.
This direction of psychology emerged as a kind of alternative concept to the course, which fully or partially identifies human psychology and animal behavior. The theory of personality, considered from the point of view of humanistic traditions, is classified as psychodynamic (at the same time, interactionist). This is not an experimental branch of psychology that has a structurally dynamic organization and covers the entire period of a person’s life. She describes him as a person, using the terms of internal properties and features, as well as behavioral terms.
Supporters of personality theory in a humanistic approach, first of all, he is interested in the perception, understanding and explanation by a person of the real events of his life. Preference is given to the phenomenology of personality, rather than the search for explanations. Therefore, this type of theory is often called phenomenological. The very description of a person and events in her life focuses mainly on the present and is described in such terms: “life goals”, “meaning of life”, “values”, etc.
Humanism in the Psychology of Rogers and Maslow
In his theory, Rogers relied on the fact that a person has a desire and ability for personal self-improvement, since he is endowed with consciousness. According to Rogers, man is a creature that can itself be the supreme judge.
Theoretical humanistic approach in personality psychology Rogers leads to the fact that the central concept for a person is “I”, with all representations, ideas, goals and values. By operating them, he can characterize himself and outline the prospects for personal improvement and development. A person should ask himself “Who am I?” What I want and can become? ” and certainly solve it.
The image of “I” as a result of personal life experience affects self-esteem and the perception of the world and environment. This may be a negative, positive or contradictory assessment. Individuals with different "I" concepts see the world differently. Such a concept may be distorted, but that which does not fit into it is replaced by consciousness. The level of satisfaction with life is a measure of the fullness of happiness. It directly depends on the consistency between the real and ideal "I".
Among the needs, a humanistic approach in personality psychology highlights:
- self-actualization;
- desire for self-expression;
- desire for self-improvement.
The dominant among them is self-actualization. She is related to each other by all theorists in this field, even with significant differences of opinion. But the most common concept to consider was Maslow A.
He noted that all self-actualizing people are involved in any business. They are loyal to him, and the case is something very valuable to a person (a kind of vocation). People of this type strive for decency, beauty, justice, kindness and perfection. These values ​​are vital needs and the meaning of self-actualization. For such a person, existence appears to be a process of constant choice: to move forward or to retreat and not fight. Self-actualization is a way of constant development and rejection of illusions, getting rid of false ideas.
What is the essence of the humanistic approach in psychology
Traditionally, the theory of Allport G. about personality traits, Maslow A. about self-actualization, Rogers K. about indirectional psychotherapy, about the life path of Buhler S. personality, as well as Maya R.’s ideas, are the main principles of the concept of humanism in psychology as follows:
- initially, man has constructive genuine power in himself;
- the formation of destructive forces occurs as it develops;
- a person has a motive for self-actualization;
- on the path of self-actualization, obstacles arise that impede the effective functioning of individuals.
Key terms of the concept:
- congruence;
- positive and unconditional acceptance of oneself and others;
- empathic listening and understanding.
The main objectives of the approach:
- ensuring the full functioning of the personality;
- creation of conditions for self-actualization;
- teaching spontaneity, openness, authenticity, friendliness and acceptance;
- education of empathy (empathy and complicity);
- development of the ability to evaluate internally;
- openness to new.
This approach has limitations in application. These are psychotics and children. A negative result is possible with the direct effect of therapy in an aggressive social environment.
On the principles of the humanistic approach
The basic principles of the humanistic approach can be summarized:
- with all the limitations of being, a person has freedom and independence for its implementation;
- an important source of information is the existentiality and subjective experience of the individual;
- human nature always strives for continuous development;
- man is one and whole;
- the personality is unique, it needs self-realization;
- man is directed to the future and is an active creative being.
The principles comprise responsibility for actions. Man is not an unconscious instrument or a slave to established habits. Initially, his nature is positive and kind. Maslow and Rogers believed that protective mechanisms and fears often interfere with personal growth. Indeed, self-esteem often diverges from that which others give to a person. Therefore, he faces a dilemma - the choice between accepting an assessment from the outside and the desire to remain his own.
Existentiality and Humanism
Psychologists representing the existentially humanistic approach are Binswanger L., Frankl W., May R., Bugental, Yal. The described approach developed in the second half of the twentieth century. We list the main provisions of this concept:
- a person is viewed from the perspective of real existence;
- he should strive for self-actualization and self-realization;
- a person is responsible for his choice, existence and realization of his own potentials;
- personality is free and has many choices. The problem is the desire to avoid it;
- anxiety is a consequence of the unfulfillment of one’s capabilities;
- often a person does not realize that he is a slave to patterns and habits, is not an authentic person, and lives a falsehood. To change this state, one needs to realize one's true position;
- a person suffers from loneliness, although he is lonely initially, since he comes into the world and leaves him alone.
The main goals pursued by the existential-humanistic approach are:
- education of responsibility, ability to set tasks and solve them;
- learning to be active and overcome difficulties;
- search for activities where you can freely express yourself;
- overcoming suffering, experiencing "peak" moments;
- learning concentration choices;
- search for true meanings.
Free choice, openness for the upcoming new events - a guide for the individual. Such a concept rejects conformism. These qualities are inherent in human biology.
Humanism in upbringing and education
Norms and principles promoted by the humanistic approach in education, focused on the system of relations "educator / pupil" based on respect and justice.
So, in the pedagogy of C. Rogers, the teacher must awaken the pupil’s own forces to solve his problems, and not decide for him. You can not impose a ready-made solution. The goal is to stimulate personal work on change and growth, and they are unlimited. The main thing is not a set of facts and theories, but the transformation of the student’s personality as a result of independent learning. The task of education is to develop the possibilities of self-development and self-actualization, the search for one’s personality. C. Rogers defined the following conditions under which this task is realized:
- students in the learning process solve problems that are significant to them;
- the teacher feels congruent with respect to the students;
- he refers to the students unconditionally;
- the teacher shows empathy for students (penetration into the student’s inner world, a look at the environment with his eyes, while remaining himself;
- educator - assistant, stimulator (creates favorable conditions for the student);
- it encourages students to make moral choices by providing material for analysis.
The person who is brought up is the highest value that has the right to decent living and happiness. Therefore, a humanistic approach to education, affirming the rights and freedom of the child, contributing to his creative development and self-development, is a priority in pedagogy.
This approach requires analysis. In addition, a full deep understanding of the concepts (diametrically opposite) is necessary: ​​life and death, lies and honesty, aggression and goodwill, hatred and love ...
Sports education and humanism
Currently, the humanistic approach in training an athlete excludes the process of preparation and training, when an athlete acts as a mechanical subject, achieving the result set before him.
Studies have shown that often athletes, reaching physical perfection, cause serious harm to the psyche and their health. It happens that inadequate loads are applied. This works for both young and mature athletes. As a result, this approach leads to psychological breakdowns. But at the same time, studies show that the possibilities of becoming an athlete’s personality, its moral, spiritual attitudes, the formation of motivation are endless. An approach aimed at its development can be implemented in full if the values ​​of the athlete and the coach are changed. Such an installation should become more humane.
The formation of an athlete's humanistic qualities is a rather complicated and lengthy process. It should be systematic and requires the trainer (educator, teacher) to master the technology of exposure to high fineness. This approach is focused on the humanistic attitude - the development of the personality, its mental, physical health through sports and physical education.
Management and Humanism
Today, various organizations strive to constantly improve the culture of their staff. In Japan, for example, any enterprise (firm) is for its employees not just a place to earn money for living, but also a place that brings together individual colleagues in a team. The spirit of cooperation and interdependence play an important role for him.
Organization is a continuation of the family. The humanistic approach to management is seen as a process that creates a reality that enables people to see events, understand them, act accordingly to the situation, giving meaning and significance to their own behavior. In fact, the rules are means, and the main action takes place at the moment of choice.
Each aspect of the organization is loaded with symbolic meaning and helps create reality. The humanistic approach focuses on the person, not on the organization. To achieve this, the ability to integrate into the existing value system and change in the new conditions of activity is very important.