Rollo May and Saybrook University
Rollo May was a key figure in the development of humanistic psychology and Saybrook University, then known as the Humanistic Psychology Institute. He co-founded the university based on the principles of humanistic psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding human experience.
This is a guide to his books, videos, the Rollo May Scholarship at Saybrook, and humanistic psychology more generally. If you have questions about this guide or would like to recommend a resource to be added to it, please email library@saybrook.edu or submit the form on this page.
About Rollo May
"Rollo May was an influential American existential psychologist and author, born in Michigan, who focused on the profound dimensions of human existence. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1930, he spent several years teaching in Greece and later became a counselor at Michigan State University. His academic journey led him to study theology and eventually earn a doctorate in counseling psychology from Columbia University in 1944. May’s early works, including "The Meaning of Anxiety" and "Man's Search for Himself," explored the themes of anxiety, alienation, and the quest for self-understanding in a fragmented cultural landscape.
As a pioneer of existential psychology in the United States, May integrated insights from European existential thinkers like Ludwig Binswanger and Medard Boss, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal integration. He believed that psychological suffering often stems from a disconnection from one's true self, leading to widespread anxiety. Through his writings, such as "Love and Will" and "The Courage to Create," May examined complex themes like freedom, responsibility, and the role of myth in human life. His work continues to resonate in the fields of psychology and psychotherapy, offering valuable perspectives on the human experience."
EBSCOhost Research Starters (2023) by Christopher M. Aanstoos