Which approach emphasizes individual growth and free will?

The approach that emphasizes individual growth and free will is humanism. This psychological perspective focuses on the inherent potential of individuals to develop positively and achieve self-actualization. Humanism is characterized by its belief in the importance of personal growth, self-discovery, and the subjective experience of the individual. It suggests that humans have the capacity for self-determination and the ability to shape their own lives, emphasizing traits such as creativity, resilience, and personal fulfillment.

In contrast, the other approaches do not prioritize individual growth and free will to the same extent. Behaviorism, for example, is primarily concerned with observable behaviors and the influence of the environment on behavior rather than individual agency. Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like thinking and memory but does not inherently emphasize personal growth as its primary concern. Structuralism, on the other hand, seeks to understand the structure of the mind and consciousness through introspection and analysis, without a significant focus on personal development or free will. Therefore, the essence of humanism lies in its commitment to nurturing individual potential and recognizing the agency of each person.