Which statement best describes humanistic psychology?

Which statement best describes humanistic psychology?

• A. Not about mental health; focuses on healthy individuals and free will
• B. Primarily about diagnosing mental illness
• C. Emphasizes biological determinism
• D. Denying free will

Answer: (A)

Humanistic psychology centers on the whole person, emphasizing subjective experience, personal growth, and the idea that people have free will and the capacity to improve themselves. It treats individuals as healthy, capable of making choices, and focuses on fulfilling potential (self-actualization) rather than just diagnosing or treating illness. Because of this positive, growth-oriented view, the approach is not primarily about diagnosing mental health problems. It stands in contrast to views that stress biology or determinism and to those that deny free will. So the best description is that it emphasizes healthy individuals and free will rather than focusing on diagnosing mental illness.

Humanistic psychology centers on the whole person, emphasizing subjective experience, personal growth, and the idea that people have free will and the capacity to improve themselves. It treats individuals as healthy, capable of making choices, and focuses on fulfilling potential (self-actualization) rather than just diagnosing or treating illness. Because of this positive, growth-oriented view, the approach is not primarily about diagnosing mental health problems. It stands in contrast to views that stress biology or determinism and to those that deny free will. So the best description is that it emphasizes healthy individuals and free will rather than focusing on diagnosing mental illness.