Humanistic Responses to Objectification: The Contributions of Brent Dean Robbins

Brent Dean Robbins is one of the most influential contemporary humanistic psychologists. One of his primary contributions focuses on critiques of objectifying tendencies in professional psychology and society as well as a humanizing response to these trends. The focus on de-objectifying people can be seen throughout his work; however, it is particularly evident in his contributions on human science, anesthetic culture, sexuality, diagnosis, and the use of psychotropic medication. Through viewing and acting upon people as objects, professional psychology often contributes to the alienation of people, including individuals pursuing mental health treatment. Robbins advocates for a human science, a hermeneutics of love, and the valuing of the dignity of all people.