Blog 6: Third Force Psychology

4 Commentsby   |  04.23.13  |  Student Posts

A reaction to the Third Force Psychology movement.  For better or worse, what modern individuals (excluding psychologists), or contemporary movements & trends best illustrate the spirit of Third Force Psychology for you?

 

I am not sure if this seems applicable to anyone else, but something that resonates with me in connection with third force psychology is home-schooling. Mostly this is connected with the self-actualization aspects of the humanistic mindset. I personally was home schooled elementary school and some of high school, and my only experience with “real” or “standardized” schooling was in middle school and college. I firmly believe that I would be less driven to success as an individual and to discovering and fulfilling my true potential if I had not been homeschooled. In a similar manner to humanistic theory, my parents strove to encourage my individuality and creativity with unconditional positive regard. I am different than my siblings, even though we have a lot in common, and we all felt that we had the opportunity to discover ourselves and be “the best you you can be”. I was able to forge ahead in areas that I grasped quickly and spend time focusing on things that took me longer. My family was a place of support and guidance, but not control or demands.

I see this as connecting with third force psychology’s main spirit of allowing the individual to flourish in whatever unique way is healthiest for them.

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4 Comments

  1. Ana Rodriguez
    3:07 pm, 04.24.13

    That is a wonderful perspective. HOwever on the other side of that I think that about my experiences too. That might be the point of this type of psychology though! 🙂 I really enjoyed your last comment at the end of you post. It is important to allow the individual to flourish in whatever unique way is healthiest for them; but sometimes it is also important for the individual to realize that they have to step out of their comfort zone to grow.

  2. Paige Wilson
    4:27 pm, 04.24.13

    I like the point that you brought up a lot. I have not had any experience with home schooling, but my parents constantly pushed me to “be the best I could be.” In my opinion, it is also important for children to experience social learning to develop interpersonal skills. When children are exposed to people who have grown up differently than they have, they begin to have a broader perspective of the world around them.

  3. Grant Williams
    8:29 pm, 04.24.13

    I think your post really speaks to the spirit of third force psychology. I like that you drew comparisons with your experience in home schooling. I would agree with you that the unconditional positive regard you received in your schooling as well as the respect to your individualism has worked well for you. As part of the majority that were in the public school system, it’s always interesting to hear from people who experienced education differently. Thanks for sharing.

  4. Tyler Lotz
    2:31 pm, 04.26.13

    Though i am a huge supporter of individual growth and self actualization, i think that it is a hugely important experience to be influenced by your peers. going to public schools my whole life exposed me to all sorts of ideals and behaviors and lifestyles i had never known of, and can be a solidifying experience that prepares one for life in the real world

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