What is the primary focus of humanistic psychology?

The primary focus of humanistic psychology is on the potential for personal growth and self-actualization. This approach emphasizes the inherent value of individuals and their capacity for self-improvement, creativity, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Humanistic psychology arose as a reaction to both the deterministic perspectives of psychoanalysis and the behaviorist view that often downplayed individual experience.

Key figures in this school of thought, such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, advocated for understanding human behavior through the lens of subjective experience, emphasizing concepts like self-worth and the quest for meaning. The idea of self-actualization reflects the belief that individuals are driven to reach their fullest potential, and the optimal environment for this growth includes acceptance, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of psychology that do not encapsulate the fundamental tenets of humanistic psychology. For instance, one option emphasizes biological influences, while another deals with personality assessment, and a different one considers the correlation between personality and mental health. These aspects do not address the core principle of personal growth and self-actualization central to the humanistic perspective.