Humanistic and positive psychology need each other, and to advance, our field needs both

Abstract

Comments on the article "The humanistic psychology-positive psychology divide: Contrasts in philosophical foundations" by Waterman (see record 2013-12501-001). Alan Waterman's article is an illuminating contribution that will be reviewed and debated for years to come. The current author is appreciative of Waterman for raising key questions about the respective worldviews of humanistic and positive psychology and their potential for rapprochement. That said, the current author thinks Waterman's conclusion that both perspectives are better off pursuing their own independent agendas is a short-sighted one that is likely to have debilitating, if not dire, effects on the future of our profession. The current author believes that there are many ways for existential-humanistic and positive psychology researchers to collaborate.