Question

Positive psychology is a modern version of which school of thought? a. structuralism b. humanism c. functionalism d. introspectionism

Short answer

Positive psychology is a modern version of humanism (b).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is an approach within psychology that focuses on the strengths, virtues, and factors that contribute to human thriving and well-being. It is a movement that looks at what makes life worth living, emphasizing the positive aspects of human experience, in contrast to traditional psychology, which often focuses on mental illness and dysfunction.

Review School of Thoughts

The main schools of thought in psychology include: - **Structuralism**: An early school of psychology that aimed to understand the structure of the mind through introspection. - **Functionalism**: Focused on the functions of the mind and behavior in adapting to the environment. - **Humanism**: Emphasizes the study of the whole person and the uniqueness of human experience, including the concept of self-actualization. - **Introspectionism**: A method of gathering data by thinking about and describing one's own experiences. Positive psychology aligns best with one of these approaches.

Compare Positive Psychology and Humanism

Humanism is a school of thought that emphasizes the potential for individual growth and self-actualization. It focuses on the individual’s capacity for self-awareness, free will, and the potential for personal development, which aligns closely with the core ideas of positive psychology focused on flourishing and well-being.

Select the Closest Matching School

Given that positive psychology emphasizes positive human functioning and personal growth, it most closely matches with the humanism approach, which similarly values individual potential and personal growth.

Key concepts

Humanism

Humanism in psychology emphasizes understanding the whole person and their unique experiences. It values human uniqueness and potential, offering a more optimistic view compared to earlier psychology theories. Central to humanism is the belief that individuals are inherently good and capable of personal growth.
Humanists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow were influential figures. They argued that everyone has the capacity for self-awareness and free will. This approach stresses the importance of self-understanding and the pursuit of personal goals. By focusing on inner strengths and personal growth, humanism has laid the groundwork for modern positive psychology.
This perspective encourages looking beyond psychological problems and emphasizes building a life filled with purpose and meaning. It is about helping people achieve self-actualization, reaching their full potential as human beings.

Schools of Thought in Psychology

Psychology, the study of mind and behavior, has evolved through various schools of thought. Each school has a different approach to understanding human thoughts and behaviors.

• **Structuralism** seeks to understand the mind by breaking down mental processes into their basic components.
• **Functionalism** focuses on how mental activities help an organism adapt to its environment.
• **Humanism** emphasizes the individual's potential for personal growth and self-actualization.
• **Introspectionism** involves self-observation and reflection to gather psychological data.

Understanding these different approaches helps us appreciate how diverse and multifaceted psychology can be.
Each school of thought offers unique insights, contributing to our overall understanding of an individual’s psychological landscape.

Self-Actualization

Self-actualization is the process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential. It is a key concept in humanistic psychology, introduced by Abraham Maslow as the pinnacle of his hierarchy of needs.
Maslow's hierarchy is often depicted as a pyramid with five levels:

• **Physiological needs**: Basic survival requirements like food and water.
• **Safety needs**: Security, stability, and freedom from fear.
• **Love and belonging**: Relationships and connections with others.
• **Esteem needs**: Respect, self-esteem, and recognition.
• **Self-actualization**: Achieving personal growth and peak experiences.

Individuals who reach self-actualization find meaning and purpose by pursuing their true passions.
They are problem solvers, self-aware, and willing to learn and grow throughout their lives. This aligns with positive psychology's focus on thriving rather than just surviving.

Psychological Well-being

Psychological well-being is more than the absence of mental illness. It's about feeling good and functioning well.
It involves several components:

• **Emotional well-being**: Experiencing positive emotions and satisfaction with life.
• **Psychological well-being**: Self-acceptance, personal growth, autonomy, and purpose.
• **Social well-being**: Contributing to society and having strong social connections.

Positive psychology plays a crucial role in promoting psychological well-being by emphasizing resilience, gratitude, and mindfulness.
By encouraging people to focus on their strengths, positive psychology helps individuals build a fulfilling and well-balanced life. It aims to improve quality of life by nurturing what is good in people and their environments.