Hungarian psychologists whose theory conquered the world! – VIDEOS
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Hungarian researchers have always played a significant role in the history of psychology. In this article, we collected some of the most outstanding professionals who gained international acknowledgement with their work and left their trademark in the field of psychology.
Mihály Csíkszentmihályi and the flow
The Széchenyi Prize-winning Hungarian-American psychologist, Mihály Csíkszentmihályi has become world-renowned with his famous Flow theory in positive psychology, that refers to a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity. According to the theory, flow can be defined as the optimal state of mind during which the state of concentration and involvement with an activity at hand is so intensive that nothing else seems to matter. It is an intrinsic motivation, where the person is fully immersed in what he/she is doing.
Flow experience has become a key factor in the study of happiness and creativity; as a result of which, Csíkszentmihályi is also described as the world’s leading researcher in positive psychology.
He is currently a professor in the Department of Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University.
Andrew Feldmár and his critique of psychiatric medication
The Hungarian-born psychotherapist emigrated to Canada at the age of 16, after the defeat of the 1956 revolution. According to noklapja.hu, he earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Toronto and completed his master’s degree in psychology. Andrew Feldmár is most known as the Hungarian follower of his mentor, R.D. Laing, famous for the unconventional approach of radical psychotherapy.
The essence of his approach is that instead of using observation and methods, the therapist must engage in a real, spontaneous and honest relationship with the patient.
According to Feldmár, labelling, medication, and changing the patient will not bring any solution; he emphasises changing the environment and solidarity with the suffering person. He supports the therapeutically justified use of MDMA, LSD and other psychedelics under expert supervision. Besides following his research in this field, his theory is also presented at international conferences.
Thomas Szász and the myth of mental illness
The Hungarian-American academic, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Thomas Stephen Szász, was a well-known critic of the moral and scientific foundations of psychiatry and the control of medicine over modern society.
He emphasised the libertarian principle called “self-ownership”, according to which everyone has the right to own and create their own body and spirit without initiating violence against it.
Thanks for featuring these “heroes” ~ individuals with the courage to challenge the status quo and to speak and live according to their own credos based upon truth, honour, respect ~ with regards to both themselves and the Other. These courageous people are committed to providing great service to the world by the sharing of their insights, and through their interactions , relationships and their chosen careers.
Thanks again for allowing me/us a glimpse of these heroes and their honourable perspectives and practices ~all of which are nourishing morsels of ‘food for thought’ and for further contemplation.