Humanistic, Transpersonal and Existential Psychology
Humanistic, Transpersonal and Existential Psychology
Discussion 6
A) Many of his colleagues considered Rollo May the father of American existential psychology. What are the key similarities and differences that you discern between May and the European humanistic perspectives about the individual and connection to others? What makes these significant?
B) Irvin Yalom suggests that anxiety is an existential dilemma that can emerge in a person’s daily life and needs concrete decisions from an individual in order to ameliorate it. Do you agree or disagree with Yalom’s position? Why? How does your personal worldview influence your stance? Explain.
Discussion 7
A) Some believe that the integration of the mind, body, and spirit into a unitary whole can create harmony and healing in one’s life. Do you agree? Why or why not? How might the connection between these three separate entities be important in understanding how one might transcend physical aging? Support your position.
B) What are other types of “therapies” that can contribute to refreshing the mind, rejuvenating the body, and renewing the spirit? Which of these alternatives do you believe best aligns with a Christian worldview? Why? Which of these alternatives do you believe best aligns with your personal worldview? Why?
Discussion 8
A) Integral theory suggests that human development and psychological stages of growth should be integrated with a spiritual state of awareness. What are the possible benefits of recognizing “other states of awareness” as a way of healing a person holistically? Does this integral theory align with the Christian worldview? Why or why not?
B) Literature suggests that transpersonal psychology should be the 4th Force or movement in psychology along with psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and humanistic psychology. Why has transpersonal psychology garnered significant attention over the past decade? Do you believe it should be its own movement (a 4th Force)? Why or why not? To what extent, if at all, is the notion of transpersonal psychology compatible with your personal worldview? Explain. How might this compatibility (or lack thereof) influence your dissertation research?