Theory and Practice: Ernest Becker: a vital resource for counselling psychology

• Published in: Counselling psychology quarterly Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 363 - 372
• Main Authors: Munley, Patrick H., Johnson, Phillip D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BrunnerRoutledge 01.12.2003
• Subjects: Becker, Ernest; Counselling psychology
• ISSN: 0951-5070; 1469-3674
• DOI: 10.1080/09515070310001636779

In this article we highlight the work of Ernest Becker for counselling psychology professionals and provide a brief overview of Becker's contributions. Several important themes from his writings relevant to counselling psychology are reviewed, including: the uniqueness of man, socialization and self-esteem, culture and heroism, the relativity of heroism, the fear of death, and the dynamics of evil. We also discuss some of the implications of Becker's work for counselling psychology and counselling psychology professionals, including: providing an integrative perspective on human behaviour and development, implications for multicultural counselling, understanding the hero system, the centrality of death in life, and helping people make meaning. We consider Ernest Becker's work a vital resource for counselling psychology.