Final answer:
Humanistic psychology emphasizes self-directed change and the positive aspects of human nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humanistic psychology emerged as a reaction to behaviorism and psychoanalytic theory, focusing on the potential for personal growth and self-actualization.
Two main distinguishing characteristics of humanistic psychology are its emphasis on the innate capacity for self-directed change and transforming personal experiences, and its focus on the positive aspects of human nature.
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, which identifies the need for self-actualization as the highest need, is a prominent example of humanistic psychology.