Difference between Sigmund Freuds Psychoanalytic Theory and

Carl Roger and Abraham Maslows Humanistic theory

Both Psychoanalytic and Humanistic theories differ from one another in many
ways. Their contradictive views on psychology are indeed evident. One most
prominent difference is their views on human nature and the impact of society.
Psychoanalytic psychologist views humans as inherently bad. They believe that we
are all born with an evil and selfish monster within ourselves - the id. The id operates
solely on the pleasure principal, it only desires to get immediate pleasure and avoid
pain, not being considerate about moral values or how harmful it may be to others
(McLeod, 2008).
According to Freud, the ids way of thinking is completely out of touch with
reality. Meaning, it seeks unrealistic ways to fulfill its cravings. They believe that,
deep down in our unconscious mind, we are all lusting for the most revolting and
disgusting pleasures and those we are aware of only the safe and filtered versions of
our original erotic and destructive compulsions.
To them, society is seen as an anchor that instills moral values the ego and
superego into men. For example, as an infant grows up, his interaction with his
parents and the society, leads to the development of the ego and superego, which
helps him in coping successfully with the world (Lahey, 2009; Larsen & Buss, 2012;
McLeod, 2008). Humanistic psychologist on the other hand, views human nature as
fundamentally good. They have a relatively positive view on men, and criticize the
psychoanalytic point of view. Instead of being born wicked, they feel that humans are
basically born upright.
They believe that everyone has the ability to grow and mature into proper
beings, and make use of their full potential (Boeree, 2000, Larsen & Buss, 2012).
They emphasized that a person has the free will and plays an important role in
shaping how they behave. Their views on society, is far less favorable. They believe
that society is the destructive force onto the once virtuous human being. To them,
society harms and destroys a persons inherent tendency to be good and mature
(McLeod, 2007).