Existential Psychology Books/Articles?

Question

Hi,

I'm looking for some introctory, insightful readings in existential psychology.

I know that Rollo May, Viktor Frankl, and Eric Frohmm are some of the main theorists in the area, but I'm looking for specific works that encompass the main ideas -- and, hopefully, something not too long (I'm writing a research paper and don't have a lot of time.)

Thanks.

Answer 1

Can't go wrong with May and Frankl. I got into the field through the same two people.

But, find R.D. Laing 'the divided self'. don't have to read the whole thing, just the beginning part is fine as it sums up main conceptual differences between 'existential' oriented psychology and scientific oriented psychology. he comes at it philosophically and concretely with lots of detail.

"existential foundations of psychology" by adrian van kaam out of Duquesne. it's longer but also very neatly divided up so you can easily find the parts that are most general.

"a different existence" by Van den Berg. it's existential-phenomenological psychology. incorporates basic ideas of Sartre and Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty very well. Has great sections on the interhuman, temporal, bodily being and the holistic aspects of each. also great case study of real psychopathology used to illutstrate. This reads much faster than the other two as more of it is descriptive.

Answer 2

I answered your question in the psychology section and want to expound a little more here. In "Man's search for meaning" look for these key points:

values may arouse inner tension instead of inner equilibrium

the existential vacuum

the meaning of existence, of love, of suffering

paradoxical intention(some good points on this)

.....I've read the book several times. It is a fairly easy and short read for a thoughtful and deep subject...Good Luck.