human-potential movement

an approach to psychotherapy and psychology that emphasizes personal growth, interpersonal sensitivity, and greater freedom and spontaneity in living. The ideas of German-born U.S. psychiatrist Frederick (Fritz) S. Perls (1893–1970) were an influential force in the development of the human-potential movement, which derives its general perspective from humanistic psychology. gestalt therapy, sensitivity training, and encounter groups are representative of this approach. Also called human-growth movement.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

acuity grating

a stimulus used to measure an individual’s sharpness of visual perception. It consists of alternating black and white lines spaced closely together; the point at which the participant perceives the lines to be homogeneous gives an indication of visual acuity. When the contrast of the lines is varied, the acuity grating can be used to test contrast sensitivity.