Psychology MCAT Practice Exam 2026 – Complete All-in-One Guide to Ensure Your Success!

Humanistic psychology primarily focuses on the inherent goodness of people and their potential for personal growth and self-actualization. This approach emphasizes the importance of individual experiences and the subjective perception of reality. Humanistic psychologists believe that individuals possess the capacity for self-improvement and strive to realize their fullest potential. Prominent figures in this field, such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, have advocated for a supportive therapeutic environment that fosters personal insight and growth.

In contrast, the other options reflect different psychological approaches. Exploring unconscious motives aligns more closely with psychoanalytic theories, which concentrate on the hidden aspects of the mind. Analyzing societal influences pertains to social psychology, emphasizing how external factors shape behavior. Lastly, testing behavioral responses under pressure relates to behavioral psychology, which focuses on observable behaviors and their modification through conditioning. Thus, the emphasis on individual potential and personal growth distinctly characterizes humanistic psychology.