J Humanist Psychol. 2022 Nov 16;66(3):793-815. doi: 10.1177/00221678221132331. eCollection 2026 May.
ABSTRACT
This study assessed whether indicators of humanistic optimal functioning were predictive of lower levels of violence among youth across a 6-month period. Youth (N = 346) aged 12 to 14 years completed measures of authenticity and of positive regard for others (generalized trust, forgiveness, and gratitude). Approximately 6 months later, the youth reported violence, criminal offenses, and indicators of potential violence, and for some (n = 266), a teacher provided ratings of aggression. Authentic living, some elements of generalized trust, forgiveness, and gratitude predicted lower levels on indicators of aggression or violence or readiness for violence 6 months later. The relation between humanistic predictors and violence-related outcomes was larger for youth at elevated risk for violence. Unexpectedly, a subtype of authenticity, “resisting external influence,” predicted higher violence, but other outcomes were in the expected direction. Thus, a humanistic lens may have value in examinations of societal violence.
PMID:41939134 | PMC:PMC13050273 | DOI:10.1177/00221678221132331
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