PSYC 181 Introduction to Psychology | Unit 2 (2026) | 130+ Questions with Answers | Existentialism, Phenomenology, Rogers, Buddhism

This expertly verified study guide for PSYC 181 – Introduction to Psychology covers over 130 flashcard-style questions and answers focused on Unit 2 content for the 2026 curriculum. It delivers an in-depth overview of the existential and humanistic schools of thought, exploring philosophical underpinnings, therapeutic models, and Eastern psychological influences. Core concepts include: Existential Philosophy & Phenomenology: The guide introduces key figures such as Immanuel Kant, Edmund Husserl, Søren Kierkegaard, and Martin Heidegger, covering themes like transcendence, noumena vs phenomena, despair, freedom, and Dasein. The concepts of phenomenological reduction, throwness, and authentic existence are broken down with clarity. Daseinanalysis: Includes contributions from Binswanger and Boss, who applied Heidegger’s existential thought to psychotherapy. Ideas such as lumination, disclosure, stuck Dasein, and the construction of Dasein are explored in relation to anxiety, development, and self-limiting beliefs. Jean-Paul Sartre & Freedom: Extensive Q&A on Sartre’s ontology—being-in-itself, being-for-itself, bad faith, facticity, and freedom as nothingness. Students learn how Sartre saw existence as a responsibility and freedom as a burden, linked to vertigo and existential dread. Irvin Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy: Discusses Yalom’s four ultimate concerns: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness, and how existential anxiety gives rise to psychological defenses. Introduces key ideas like boundary situations, specialness, authentic relationships, and the ultimate rescuer. Carl Rogers & Humanistic Psychology: Focuses on Rogers’ theories of self-actualization, unconditional positive regard, phenomenal field, organismic valuing process, and person-centered therapy. Therapeutic tools such as reflective listening, congruence, play therapy, and agape (unconditional love) are explained with examples. Eastern Psychology & Buddhism: The document concludes with Buddhist and Hindu philosophical approaches to suffering, impermanence, and enlightenment. Core teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, anatman, dukkha, samsara, and nirvana are explored. Contributions from John Kabat-Zinn and modern mindfulness theorists like Brown and Ryan are also included. Who is this document for? Undergraduate psychology students studying personality theory, counseling, or philosophy of mind Students in PSYC 181 or equivalent introductory psychology and mental health courses Pre-med, philosophy, social work, or counseling majors exploring existential and humanistic traditions NCLEX-RN or mental health professionals seeking to understand the philosophical basis of person-centered and existential therapy This resource offers a rich blend of Western philosophical theory and Eastern psychological wisdom, combining rigorous academic depth with clear, test-focused structure. It's ideal for students preparing for high-level discussions, essays, or exams. Keywords: existential psychology, phenomenology, Dasein, Sartre, Heidegger, Yalom, Carl Rogers, person-centered therapy, Buddhism, mindfulness, Four Noble Truths, self-actualization, bad faith, freedom, despair, humanistic therapy