Which of the following is a common critique of the humanistic approach in contrast to the psychodynamic perspective, specifically regarding humanism's assertion that people are inherently good?

• A. It focuses primarily on observable behaviors rather than internal experiences.
• B. It is considered overly optimistic and may ignore the darker, unconscious aspects of human nature emphasized by the psychodynamic perspective.
• C. It places too much emphasis on unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.
• D. It relies heavily on the use of projective tests to assess personality.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core assertion of the humanistic approach, which emphasizes that people are inherently good and focuses on conscious experiences, personal growth, and self-actualization.
2. Step 2: Recognize the psychodynamic perspective's focus on unconscious processes, internal conflicts, and the influence of childhood experiences on behavior.
3. Step 3: Compare the two approaches by identifying that the humanistic approach tends to be optimistic about human nature, while the psychodynamic perspective highlights darker, unconscious motivations.
4. Step 4: Identify common critiques of humanism, particularly that it may be overly optimistic and neglect the unconscious, darker aspects of human behavior that psychodynamic theory emphasizes.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the critique stating humanism is 'overly optimistic and may ignore the darker, unconscious aspects of human nature emphasized by the psychodynamic perspective' best captures the contrast between these two approaches.