Toward the application of general systems theory in humanistic psychology

Abstract

AbstractHumanistic psychology arose in reaction to the restrictive paradigms of behaviorism and orthodox psychoanalysis. However, humanisitic psychology has yet to provide a consistent philosophical and methodological framework for the development and evaluation of models, methods, research, theories and therapies. Additionally, there exists no commonly shared structure for the translation and communication of intuitive recognitions and clinical findings. General systems theory offers a comprehensive methodology, rooted in the natural sciences, which may be applied to clarify and communicate many aspects of humanistic psychology. This paper demonstrates the common philosophical perspectives of general systems theory and humanistic psychology, describes general systems theory in terms of the challenges to humanistic psychology, and presents the concerns expressed by humanistic psychologists regarding the use of general systems theory. Selected areas are discussed in detail: The unity of mental and physical processes; the phenomenologically‐based views of experience that encompass conscious, unconscious and transpersonal dimensions; and the growth paradigms of personal change described by such concepts as equifinality, anamorphosis and differentiation. Also, the humanistic psychologist is urged to be wary of inappropriate methodologies that complicate, rather than clarify, the issues at hand, and directions for future research are outlined.