Ingle is communications chair/listserv coordinator and member-at-large, Division 32: Society for Humanistic Psychology
Being a part of something bigger than myself that I believe is really important (side note, this is one of humanistic psychologist Erich Fromm’s basic human existential needs—what he called transcendence!).
Also, meeting likeminded people, making life-long friends and professional connections. Many people call Division 32 a professional (and personal) home.
Getting to bring the humanistic perspective to a number of professional, social, and ethical issues. Being a humanistic psychologist means advocating for a set of values that I consider indispensable in psychology, such as championing the dignity and autonomy of every person against dehumanizing forces in the world, and even in the psy-disciplines.
So many people, but to name one, Brent Dean Robbins was one of the first people I met in Division 32. Brent passed away this year from cancer. Brent was a professor in Point Park University’s human science psychology program for many years. He was a signature voice in the division, always showing up to the annual conference, always open to important conversations and collaborations as well as brightening rooms with his contagious laugh.
This is a broad answer, and the division is already headed in this direction, but I see a need for continued engagement between humanistic psychology and critical/decolonial/liberation psychologies. Humanistic psychology carries a strong ethical vision and sense of social justice. Additionally, humanistic psychology has always understood the intimate links between person and world, individual and society (and ecology)—so it’s a natural pairing with lots to gain on all sides.
Come to the annual conference! That’s where you can meet a bunch of regulars as well as other new folks. I’ve been to a lot of different conferences and the SHP (Division 32, Society for Humanistic Psychology) conference is one of the warmest and most inclusive you’ll find.
I’m a heavy metal fan, have been since I was young! You can catch me at a death metal show in Pittsburgh several times a year. I love all music, from indie rock to techno to classical, but metal has a special place in my heart.
