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Existential Psychology
Existential Psychology
11.0 introDuCtion
In the twentieth century, a new movement in psychology, broadly, referred
to as the third-force movement emerged. The term third-force is a general
categorization for a number of orientations in psychology. It is any approach
that differed from psychoanalysis and behaviourism, which are referred to
as the first force and second force, respectively.
The third force movement emphasized on the method of phenomenology.
Phenomenology is the study of phenomena that is experienced by the
* Dr. Saif R. Farooqi, Department of Applied Psychology, Vivekananda College,
University of Delhi
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11.5 summary
Now that we have come to the end of this Unit, let us list all the major points
that we have learned:
● The term third-force an approach that differed from psychoanalysis
and behaviourism, which are referred to as the first force and
second force, respectively. The third-force movement emphasized
on the method of phenomenology. Phenomenology is the study of
phenomena that is experienced by the individual, emphasizing on
how that phenomenon revealed itself.
● Humanistic psychology, emerging in the 1940s and 1950s, opposed
the two existing dominant schools of psychology – psychoanalysis
and behaviourism. It gives emphasis to personal freedom and personal
responsibility in the fulfilment of human potential.
● Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers are regarded as the pioneers of
the humanistic movement in psychology. Maslow believed that every
individual has an innate tendency to completely develop his or her
abilities and realize one’s true potential. This tendency is referred to
as self-actualization.
● A major feature of the concept of self-actualization, is that it denotes
a teleological perspective. The teleological perspective is about
explaining behaviour with respect to a future state, a purpose that
individuals strive for.
● Carl Rogers developed the approach called person-centered therapy.
The self can be distinguished as the real self or actual self and the
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