What is the primary focus of humanistic psychology?

The primary focus of humanistic psychology is on understanding healthy individuals and their choices. This approach emphasizes the inherent potential for personal growth and self-actualization, stressing the importance of individual experience and the subjective perception of reality. Humanistic psychologists, such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, advocate for a perspective that considers people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the context of their lived experiences rather than solely focusing on pathology or mental disorders. This emphasis on positive aspects of human experience encourages individuals to find meaning and develop their full potential, thus promoting a greater understanding of what it means to be human.

In contrast, other areas of psychology may focus on different aspects, such as the biological underpinnings of behavior or the historical developments of psychological theories, which do not align with the humanistic emphasis on personal choice and growth.