Humanistic Psychology Article Summary

This paper explores two published articles that highlight the key components on self-actualization (SA) and reaching optimum human potential. The article that was assigned for reading, is written in a very black and white format that wraps ideas around examples only modern societies could easily relate with, whereas the article that I personally chose, demonstrated an investigation of ideas between Western psychology and the Buddhist tradition of Theravada. Contrastingly, the assigned article was not an investigative one, but more rather an informative one, structured like a typical, educational textbook with bolded key terms that is easy for the reader’s eye. There are many similarities between the two articles however, especially when discussing Humanistic Psychology through the work of Rogers and Maslow and acknowledge the idea of SA, but when diving into the many areas of this broad, multi-layered concept, the research is simply unparalleled. This paper examines the research of Beitel, Bogus, Hutz, Green, Cecero and Barry in relation to the assigned article by Deci, Ryan and Guay, to suggest that comprehending, let alone integrating the entirety of SA in one’s life, is only possible by embracing views that challenge your own way of thinking and living.

Written Article Summary: Self-Actualization …show more content…
It describes the physical and mental suffering the human body endures in response to our natural behaviors. The Eightfold Path shows us how to fulfill “mental discipline” and “living in accordance with one’s ethical principles” and accepting life for what it is and not what we wish it to