Discipline That Has Established Itself

¶ … discipline that has established itself on the principles of openness and change, humanism was formed as a response to behaviorist and psychoanalytic theory, recognizing and focusing on human capacities that had no systematic place within these paradigms (Hanks, 2008). These capacities included creativity, self, growth, autonomy, identity, responsibility, and psychological health, to name a few (Hanks, 2008).

While humanistic theory purports to welcome new thoughts, ideas, and directions, it is not without its limitations (Hanks 2008). Watson, Wood & Morris (1984) point out that psychologists "operating within a religious frame of reference have...complained that the humanistic emphasis on self can result in self-indulgence and self-aggrandizement." Hanks argues that while the original tenets of humanism recognized the need for a self within a social system, today it overlooks an individual's place within a social system to instead focus on a Western-style dedication to individualism (2008). A focus on individualism, Hanks claims, inherently works to toward a situation where the United States is unable "to get along with the rest of the world" (2008). Moreover, it leaves us with little knowledge of "the solace and emotional strength offered by the unconditional acceptance of simple belonging" of which other, non-Western cultures are the guardians (Hanks, 2008). Arguing that humanistic thought is unwavering in its support of Western methods, Hanks contests that it overlooks important approaches that are more holistic, humanistic, and "person positive" (2008). For example, child and adolescent residential treatment facilities in the U.S. generally intervene with an emphasis on humanistic individual treatment, which results on little attention to the interpersonal world to which the youth will eventually return (Hanks, 2008).

Hanks also believes that the humanistic approach does not recognize the values of non-Western cultures, and thus is quite limited in regard to who can and cannot be treated (2008). For example, many South Africans rely on folk remedies for psychological problems which are grounded in centuries of tradition. These remedies are dismissed by humanists because of the difficulties associated with scientifically validating these methods (Hanks, 2008). In the same vein, Morris & Wood (1988) argue that, because of humanism's strong focus on self-actualization and thus self-acceptance, there exists a natural conflict between it and primary tenets of orthodox Christianity; sin is widely regarded among orthodox Christians as something of which to be ashamed, while humanism strives to help the individual achieve self-acceptance. A serious issue is presented here -- humanists wishing to treat orthodox Christians are faced with the decision to tell them their religion is wrong or deny treatment. Complicating the matter is the fact that some argue that acceptance of sin is itself a step toward self-actualization (Morris & Wood, 1988). This point is not recognized by the humanistic view and as such, humanistic tests measuring amount of self-actualization in orthodox Christians may be inaccurate (Morris & Wood, 1988). Humanism is ill-equipped to deal with orthodox Christianity and non-Western cultures.