What does the self represent in humanistic psychology?

In humanistic psychology, the self is understood primarily as the combination of personal beliefs and self-perception. This approach emphasizes the importance of individual experience and personal growth, focusing on how people perceive themselves and their place in the world. Humanistic psychologists, such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, believe that an individual's self-concept plays a crucial role in their behavior and interaction with others. They assert that a positive self-identity leads to greater psychological well-being and fulfillment.

In this context, the self is not just a reflection of past experiences or societal behaviors; it encompasses deeper elements like personal values, beliefs, and how one views oneself in relation to others. This perspective encourages individuals to pursue self-actualization, striving for personal potential and authenticity, which resonates with the principles of humanistic psychology.

While the other options touch on relevant aspects of human experience, they do not capture the essence of how the self is defined within this psychological framework. The totality of life experiences, behaviors in social contexts, and subjective interpretations of events are more external or situational factors that influence the self, rather than the intrinsic combination of beliefs and self-view emphasized in humanistic psychology.