In so doing, one does not have to believe that an existential framework is the most productive. If one is a humanist he is also likely to be a phenomenologist and an existentialist. Humanists tend to emphasize cognitive processes and the reality of being. Originally, there were several different brands of phenomenology in psychology. But as existentialism and then humanism emerged, the differences among these third force groups became less pronounced and the similarities became more prominent.
Humanists tend to be the most well defined group.
Today's humanists are most vocal about supporting phenomenological methods, existential beliefs, and humanistic values. It is not easy to trace the development of this patterned third force branch within psychology. The backgrounds are indeed varied. Particulars are more important than generalizations. Understanding is more important than explanation.