“Life has no meaning”, “I am hopelessly alone and will never find understanding”, “My loved ones will die one day, and this is terrible!” Such thoughts periodically visit people's heads, causing feelings of anxiety, sadness and hopelessness. Existential psychology helps to overcome such a thinking model. Her goal is to resolve personal internal conflict and restore the joy of life.
You will learn more details by taking a few minutes to read this article, but before that, a little knowledge check on the topic.
And now, in fact, let's move on to the article itself.
Subject and tasks
Existentialism in psychology is a separate direction that studies the individual as a unique creation. At the same time, human life is described as a series of unique events. The prerequisites for the emergence of this branch in psychological science appeared 200 years ago.
It is impossible to single out one position in order to understand what the essence of the existential direction is. Classical psychology studies phenomena that can be explained. The main task of the existential field is to explore phenomena that go beyond the predictable, deterministic.
Key points:
- The main mental reality is considered to be a person’s openness to the world.
- People have will and freedom, which allows them to independently make choices regarding their intentions and goals.
- Personality is an active entity with many creative principles.
- Human nature dictates the need for constant self-disclosure.
- If researchers study the life of an individual subject, they must consider him as a whole entity.
History, representatives
Humanistic psychology - brief and clear
Attention! Researchers cannot say for sure who was the founder of the new direction in the study of personality in psychology. Existentialism in psychology is associated with the ideas of B
Medard, L. Binswanger, R. May, A. Lenglet, K. Jaspers. In Russia, representatives of existential psychologists are F.I. Dostoevsky and L.N. Tolstoy.
Throughout the 19th century, existential psychology actively developed, and narrowly focused branches were formed, one of which is logotherapy. This is a type of psychotherapy, the founder of which is considered to be V. Frankl. As an existential psychologist, V. Frankl distinguished himself by the fact that he tested all the psychotherapeutic methods and techniques of this direction on himself. Classes with him helped clients find a way out of difficult life situations and find meaning in life.
Theories and ideas
Science is built on several concepts:
- searching for the meaning of one's own life;
- awareness of death as inevitable;
- freedom;
- the right to choose;
- responsibility;
- development of self-awareness.
This direction is based on a number of theories taken from philosophy:
- Exploring the inner world. This is considered the main need of any person.
- In order to reveal his own creative component of personality, any person is aware of his death and accepts this fact.
- Existential anxiety is a trigger for people to search for meaning in life.
Among the main directions of existential psychology are:
- Dasein analysis developed by Alice Holzhei-Kuntz, Medard Boss.
- Existential counseling, which was developed by Rollo May, Irvin Yalom, James Bugental.
Separate directions are three types of existential analysis from different scientists - Ludwig Binswanger, Alfried Längle, Viktor Frankl.
The concept of personality in existential psychology
Special psychology - what is it?
Existence is in psychology the uniqueness of a person. This approach does not limit the study of personality to the present. The present is a short moment that provides only brief information about the individual. In order for individuality to become clear, it is necessary to look into a person’s past, as well as find out his plans for the near and distant future.
Additional Information. Counseling within this approach is based on the study of the process of personal development. In other schools of psychology, character traits come to the fore in solving personal problems.
Founders and followers
A famous scientist who made a huge contribution to the development of existential psychology was W. Frankl. With his teachings, he proved that it is easier to give up and stop developing. But if a person wants to be happy, he must find strength, continue to work on himself, and learn about the world around him. Other most outstanding scientists who made a great contribution to the development of this area include:
- Irwin Yalom;
- Alfred Langley;
- Rollo May;
- James Bugental;
- Alice Holzhey-Kuntz;
- Ludwig Binswanger;
- Boss Medard.
History of origin
To begin with, I cannot help but advise you to refer to the articles “Basic concepts about the method of Positive Psychotherapy” and “Where to start studying psychology on your own.” It is in them that you will find important information about how best to approach the question of studying any psychological direction and which direction my soul lies.
Now let's move on to the emergence of such a direction as existential psychology. At the end of the 19th century, the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard derived the main postulates of a new direction in philosophy - existentialism. Subsequent events of the 20th century only strengthened the development of this method.
Many historians and psychologists are confident that difficult times, crises, wars and spiritual experiences during these times left a serious imprint on existential psychology.
Many of the founders of this approach began working on their works while in camps, in custody, or experiencing personal tragedies. Since the 20th century was filled with similar events, we can safely say that existential psychology has become a clear reflection of the human mood in those times.
At first, this psychology began to appear in Europe, where it became most widespread. After the end of World War II, existential psychology boldly occupied its niche in the United States. Moreover, a bright wave of the popular direction of existential philosophy is sweeping across the world, on the basis of which existential psychotherapy is built.
But besides this branch, it is generally accepted that existential psychology also has roots in the humanistic tradition of studying man. Now let's talk in more detail about the founding fathers.
Main problems
Existential psychology has several problems that emerged during the development of science:
- Meaninglessness, the meaning of human existence. In order to develop further, a person must first have a meaning for his further existence. He becomes lost after feeling loneliness, thoughts about inevitable death, and isolation from society.
- Problems of freedom, choice, responsibility. An individual strives to get rid of the framework and prohibitions that society imposes on him, but at the same time he is frightened by the thought of their absence.
- Problems of love, loneliness, communication. Many people understand that they come into this world alone, and they will leave here alone.
- Problems with understanding the significance of life. Conflicts of consciousness arise due to the awareness of inevitable death.
Each of the problems is subject to in-depth study by researchers.
Existentialism is...
The bias towards the tragedy of human existence makes existentialism a “philosophy of despair.” This is one of the most popular movements in Western philosophy of the 20th century.
The polyphony of existentialists is extremely heterogeneous and diverse, but all are united by an interest in the main themes - human existence, freedom, choice, death, the meaning of life.
Existentialism formed as a separate philosophical movement before the First World War and existed until the mid-1960s, going through all the disasters of the 20th century.
But the origins of this philosophy must be sought in the 19th century - in the works of F. M. Dostoevsky, the ideas of F. Nietzsche, the teachings of the Danish thinker Søren Kierkegaard, who is called the founder of existentialism.
*Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855)
It was Kierkegaard who derived the concept of existence, which became the central category of existential philosophy.
For the first time in the history of philosophy, the Dane poses the question bluntly - why, in fact, philosophers are concerned with anything - the essence of being, the primacy of matter, God, the knowability of the world, universals, will and other vague concepts - but turn their nose up at the pressing problems of the common man with his experiences, problems, fears?
It is not surprising that existential questions are often heard in works of fiction. Perhaps this philosophical direction is reflected in literary creativity like no other.
F. M. Dostoevsky, L. N. Tolstoy, Franz Kafka, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, Rainer Maria Rilke, Alberto Moravia - this is not a complete list of writers who raise existential themes in their works.
*Albert Camus about life
Most people live in conditions of inauthentic existence; they go with the flow, without thinking why and where. “Be like everyone else” is the motto of such a life.
Thus, the goal of human life is existence, finding oneself. Existential truth is not something that is known, but something that is experienced by each person individually.
Research methods
To answer questions of interest and obtain new information, scientists use various techniques:
- Processing of natural mental defense mechanisms. The psychologist conducts a conversation with the patient, the purpose of which is to change the attitude towards death and turn off inappropriate reactions.
- Permission to endure is a method in which the doctor should talk more about death with patients and encourage them.
- Study of dreams. The psychologist asks the patient about what he is dreaming. By realizing nightmares, you can get to the hidden problems.
The researcher must create a trusting relationship with the patient.
What it is
Today, existential psychotherapy is a direction that relieves people from suffering (both mental and physical) through understanding their own life, values, and true purpose. If at the time of its inception it was only a branch of the philosophy of existentialism, now it is an independent, fairly popular movement that shows excellent results and has proven its effectiveness and consistency over 100 years of practice.
This direction is often called existential-humanistic, since it is entirely centered on the individual and his problems. Moreover, each individual case is considered unique, unlike all others. Accordingly, the line of treatment cannot be typical or schematic. Each time, therapy methods are selected anew, built in a completely different logic and system to help a specific person.
Interaction with other areas and sciences
Existential psychology is closely intertwined with other sciences:
- philosophy;
- classical psychology;
- sociology;
- psychotherapy.
The development of these sciences influences the emergence of new theories of existential psychology.
Psychological science is multifaceted and consists of many areas, among which existential psychology is distinguished. It was based on the teachings of philosophy, which are closely intertwined with psychological theories.
Notes
- May R.
Origin of existential psychology // Existential psychology.
Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 11. May R.
Origins of the existential direction in psychology and its significance // Existential psychology. Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 106. - ↑ May R.
Origins of the existential direction in psychology and its significance // Existential psychology. Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 106. - May R.
Origins of the existential direction in psychology and its significance // Existential psychology. Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 111. - Lifintseva T. P.
Philosophy of dialogue by Martin Buber - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 137-143. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 145-148. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 149. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 157. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 159. - May R.
The contribution of existential psychotherapy // Existential psychology. Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 177-183. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 61. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 64-65. - May R.
The contribution of existential psychotherapy // Existential psychology. Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 141. - May R.
The contribution of existential psychotherapy // Existential psychology. Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 162. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 107-109. - May R.
Origin of existential psychology // Existential psychology. Existence / Transl. from English M. Zanadvorova, Y. Ovchinnikova. - M.: April Press: EKSMO-Press, 2001. - P. 34. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 123. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 124-127. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 127, 129-132. - May R.
Discovery of Genesis. - M.: Institute of General Humanitarian Research, 2004. - P. 130.
Criticism
Every coin has two sides, and the existential-humanistic direction in psychotherapy is often criticized. The most vulnerable are 4 moments.
The first is many directions and branches. Sometimes they deviate too far from the basic principles of true existential psychotherapy, merge with others, and create separate movements and schools.
The second is the lack of a clear treatment strategy. Each time, based on the situation, it changes, adapting to the client.
Third, counseling for each new client should not be based on previous experience. An existential psychotherapist has no right to draw analogies with other cases from practice.
And the last thing for which critics especially often castigate existential psychotherapy is the lack of humanism, no matter how paradoxical it may sound. The client must be willing to rethink the essence of his being through the key moments of pain that he has experienced. In practice, it turns out that not everyone is able to do this. Sometimes it ends with an exacerbation of psychotrauma.
Origin of name. The term comes from the Latin word "existentia", which translates as "existence". It reflects the essence of the direction in both philosophy and psychotherapy. To know the meaning of one’s existence is the goal of every person, which will help get rid of any problems.
