Humanistic Psychology, Daoism, and TongXin

Abstract

This article assesses the accuracy of and limitations of Maslow’s and Rogers’ understanding and application of Daoist thought. First, Maslow’s articulation of Daoist objectivity in his writings on humanistic science and psychotherapy is analyzed, along with the relationship between Rogers’ three principles of psychotherapy and Daoist philosophy. To further explore the relationship between humanistic psychology and Daoism, the author briefly introduces his proposed TongXin triad,1 a theory that advances Maslow’s understanding of Daoism and also incorporates Rogers’ three principles of psychotherapy.