Charlotte Buhler

The human goal is not homeostasis (equilibrium) or satisfaction of instincts and urges; the goal is fulfillment that comes from accomplishment.

Summary

Charlotte Buhler (1893 - 1974) was a German psychologist and is considered to be one of the founders of Developmental Psychology.

She focused her research on the cognitive and personality development of children from infancy through adolescence. The goal of this research was to create a unified theory of psychology development of childhood. Charlotte desired to include the child's whole life experiences in her development theory.

Her studies provided strong evidence that the structure of our emotional world consolidates in the first years of childhood (see Biological Basis of Biodanza).

Ideas

• Buhler proposed that people develop through their life span, and that development (maturational) age is much more significant psychologically than "mental age" or "intelligence quotient",
• According to her, essentially healthy people face challenges continuously throughout life. They attempt to integrate four basic tendencies which include:
  • Satisfying one's needs (for love, sex, ego, and recognition),
  • Making self-limiting adaptations (by fitting in, belonging, and remaining secure),
  • Moving toward creative expansion (through self-expression and creative accomplishments),
  • Upholding and restoring the inner order (by being true to one's conscience and values).