Humanistic Theory and Personal Constructs

Abstract

It often is contended that prior to the 1960’s there were two main movements in psychology: psychoanalytic and behavioristic. Sociologists of science suggest that the development of both these theoretical perspectives was greatly influenced by cultural factors. Psychoanalytic theory originated in the supposedly repressive society of Vienna around the beginning of the twentieth century. This social milieu, in part, may have accounted for the psychoanalytic emphasis upon repression, conflict, and neurosis. On the other hand, behaviorism was spawned in turn-of-the-century America. It embraced Darwin’s concern with adaptation and function, as well as the belief that behavior is completely modifiable. Sociologists of science point out that this latter assumption was consistent with the optimistic psychological climate in America at that time.