According to Humanistic Psychology, what role do individuals play in their own lives?

Individuals are seen as controllers of their own experiences within Humanistic Psychology, which emphasizes the inherent capacity for self-direction and personal growth. This perspective posits that people have the agency to make choices about their lives and to actively shape their own destinies. The framework encourages self-awareness and personal responsibility, suggesting that each person can recognize their potential and pursue it through self-exploration and meaningful experiences.

In this view, the belief in personal agency is foundational to therapeutic approaches that foster self-acceptance, creativity, and holistic understanding of the self. It contrasts with deterministic views that suggest individuals are merely products of their biology, past experiences, or reactions to external forces, highlighting the importance of autonomy and the individual's role in creating a fulfilling life narrative.