Multiculturalism and Humanistic Psychology: From Neglect to Epistemological and Ontological Diversity

This paper considers the history, current status, and future of humanistic psychology and multiculturalism in the United States, particularly focusing on the Society for Humanistic Psychology as a leading humanistic psychology organization. Humanistic psychology in the United States has struggled in actualizing its valuing of cultural diversity; however, some progress has been made. Through an exploration of history, current challenges can also be illuminated as well as possible ways to respond to these challenges. An embracement of deep diversity in humanistic psychology is called for, which includes an epistemological and ontological diversity. Furthermore, the implications of Granger's (2012) call to invite cultural diversity into the home of humanistic psychology are explored. A deep diversity in humanistic psychology includes a broad, inclusive understanding of science as well as an embracement of ways of knowing that are embedded in culture, stories, and poetry. The paper concludes with recommendations for future directions.