Robert W. White (psychologist)

A historian in perspective, White did not focus entirely on abnormal psychology, but investigated the coping methods of normal people. Diverging from Freud whose thinking dominated psychology at the time, he emphasized that individuals were also driven by needs to be competent and effective in the world.

He began teaching at Harvard University in 1937 and retired from teaching in 1964. During World War II, White became acting director of Harvard's psychological clinic. He was head of Harvard's clinical psychology program and chairman of the social relations department. In 1969 he was awarded professor emeritus.

He graduated from Harvard University in 1925.

Influence on positive psychology

Robert White’s theory of competence inspired Martin Seligman in developing the PERMA model, particularly the Accomplishment element, which relates to White’s idea of mastery over the environment.