Humanistic Psychology, Daoism, and TongXin.

This article examines the interpretations and limitations of Daoist philosophy in the humanistic psychology of Abraham H. Maslow and Carl Rogers. It analyzes Maslow’s concept of "Daoist objectivity," which critiques traditional scientific neutrality by emphasizing "loving understanding," and contrasts it with Rogers’ three principles of psychotherapy, particularly his focus on empathy and unconditional positive regard. The author identifies gaps in Maslow’s and Rogers’ Daoist understanding, such as Maslow’s incomplete grasp of Daoist relational dynamics and Rogers’ limited recognition of Daoism’s infinite flexibility. To address these, the article proposes the TongXin triad—a framework integrating clear self-awareness, empathic understanding, and effective influence—as a more comprehensive application of Daoist thought in psychotherapy and broader human interactions. The TongXin triad aims to advance humanistic psychology by deepening its cross-cultural integration with Daoism, while acknowledging the need for further research and critique.