Givens of Being: Understanding Existential Anxieties

James Bugental, a prominent figure in humanistic psychology, offered a unique perspective on the human condition, emphasizing the inherent anxieties that arise from our fundamental existence. He introduced the concept of the “givens of life,” a set of realities that every human being must ultimately confront. These givens inevitably provoke anxiety as we grapple with our limited existence, our inherent aloneness, the search for purpose, and the immense responsibility that comes with our freedom to choose.

Bugental argued that acknowledging and confronting these existential anxieties is not about dwelling on the negative, but rather about embracing the human condition in its entirety. By acknowledging our mortality, we can appreciate the preciousness of life. By recognizing our isolation, we can cultivate meaningful connections with others. And by grappling with the search for meaning, we can create lives filled with purpose and significance. And by embracing our freedom, we can take responsibility for our choices and live authentically.

Introduction: Exploring the Core Existential Realities

James Bugental, a significant figure in existential psychotherapy, contributed immensely to our understanding of human existence. His concept of the “Givens of Being” serves as a pivotal framework that delves into the core realities of human life. These givens encapsulate the fundamental aspects of human existence that every individual must confront, making them central to existential thought and therapy.

Bugental posits that resistance to the givens of life is the core of the neurosis that brings them to therapy (Bugental & Bugental, 1984). The basic interaction between self-perceptions and perceptions of the world create the structure for how a person lives “their lives and the ways which limit experience and keep them in self-defeating patterns” (Bugental & Bugental, 1984).

There are certain givens of being that if we reject them because they are difficult to process will lead to a continuous collision with life. Carl Jung wrote that during his illness that he learned to have an “affirmation of things as they are: an unconditional ‘yes’ to that which is, without subjective protests—acceptance of the conditions of existence as I see them and understand them, acceptance of my own nature, as I happen to be” (Jung, 1961, p. 349).

David Richo wrote:

Such a ‘yes’ is willingness to land on concrete reality without a pillow to buffer us. Such a yes makes us flexible, attuning us to a shifting world, opening us to whatever life brings. Such a yes is not a stoic surrender to the status quo but a courageous one—an alignment to reality” (Richo, 2006).

The Five Givens of Being

We Are Embodied

James Bugental’s concept of embodiment is central to understanding human experience. It emphasizes that we are not simply minds inhabiting bodies, but that our physicality deeply influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

In essence, embodiment highlights the interconnectedness between our physical and psychological selves. Our bodies are not just vessels for our minds; they are integral to our experience of the world. Our emotions are felt physically – joy may manifest as a lightness in our chest, while sadness might feel like a heaviness in our shoulders. Basically, our physical sensations, in turn, can influence our emotions. For example, slouching can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem, while standing tall can enhance feelings of confidence.

Neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran explains that human thought is “deeply shaped by its interconnection with the body and by the inherent nature of human sensory and motor processes” (Ramachandran, 2011).

Bugental’s emphasis on embodiment underscores the importance of paying attention to our physical sensations and how they relate to our emotional and psychological states. By becoming more aware of our bodily experiences, we can gain deeper insights into our inner world and develop a more integrated sense of self. This awareness can also inform our therapeutic approaches, as it recognizes the significance of addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of human experience.

See Embodied Cognition for more on this topic

The Inevitability of Death (Finite)

The first of Bugental’s Givens is the inevitable reality of death. The awareness of our mortality is a powerful force that shapes our existence, behaviors, and priorities. Unlike other species, humans possess the unique capacity to reflect on their mortality, which can lead to existential anxiety but also to a deeper appreciation of life.

William James called death “the worm at the core” of man’s pretensions to happiness (James, 1902). Part of our human journey is to “know that no matter what we do, sooner or later we lose the battle against death” (Pyszczynski et al., 2015, p.5). The future inevitability of death looms in our subconscious. We know it is coming and we are frightened.

Ernest Becker explains:

“The fear of death must be present behind all our normal functioning, in order for the organism to be armed toward self-preservation. But the fear of death cannot be present constantly in one’s mental functioning, else the organism could not function” (Becker, 1973, p. 202).

Recognizing our finite existence compels us to find meaning and purpose, pushing us to live more authentically and fully.

Freedom and Responsibility

Freedom is another cornerstone of Bugental’s Givens, emphasizing the idea that humans possess the freedom to make choices. With this freedom comes the weight of responsibility. Every choice we make defines us and shapes our future. This freedom can be daunting, as it places the onus on individuals to create their path and bear the consequences of their actions.

Erich Fromm wrote:

“Freedom, though it has brought him independence and rationality, has made him isolated and, thereby, anxious and powerless. This isolation is unbearable and the alternatives he is confronted with are either to escape from the burden of his freedom into new dependencies and submission, or to advance to the full realization of positive freedom which is based upon the uniqueness and individuality of man” (Fromm, 1994).

Rollo May explains that the function of freedom is to change “its nature, to become something different from what it is at any given moment. Freedom is the possibility of development, of enhancement of one’s life; or the possibility of withdrawing, shutting oneself up, denying and stultifying one’s growth” (May, 1981).

However, it also empowers us to mold our destinies and live in alignment with our values.

We Have Choice

Bugental wrote, as a person becomes aware, they are aware that their choices make a difference in the flow of their awareness, that they understand that they are no longer a bystander but “a participant in experience” (Bugental,1981, p12). This concept is in contrast with concepts of determinism. We are more than a reed blowing back and forth with the wind.

Choice requires an awareness of our possibilities. Bugental explains, “Through awareness we can estimate our relation to world. It seems to me useful to think of that relationship as having these four characteristics:

• We are limited in our awareness of ourselves and of the world.
• We can act in ways that affect our awareness of ourselves and of the world.
• We have Choice about which actions to take and not to take” (Bugental, 1981).

Isolation

Isolation is an inherent part of the human condition. Despite our deep connections with others, there remains an essential separateness in each individual’s experience. Bugental explains: “Day to day we know our limited awareness and our captivity within it while others around us are each in his own perspective. We bridge the gaps between us but always incompletely. As a consequence, the anxiety of complete isolation is terrifying and genuine” (Bugental, 1981, p. 39).

Deep in the very fiber of our existence we want to be known. We want others to validate our emotions, thought and existence. However, these desires can only be partially filled. Knowledge of our own existence and being often eludes us. We believe something will make us happy, or satisfy fundamental needs but then once we get it we soon realize the emptiness remains (Murphy, 2023). Troubled relationships often teeter on disappointment because one or both partners expect the other to intuitively satisfy the emptiness of isolation.

The This existential isolation underscores the truth that certain aspects of our inner lives are incommunicable and solitary. Acknowledging this isolation can foster a deeper connection with oneself and a more genuine engagement with others, recognizing the shared experience of solitude.

Existential Anxieties from the Five Givens

Bugental explains that from these givens flow existential anxieties. He lists these anxieties as:

• Fate and Death
• Guilt and Condemnation
• Meaninglessness and Emptiness
• Loneliness and Isolation (Bugental, 1981).

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Each given contributes to anxiety in there own way. However, these anxieties flow from the combination of the givens with multiple givens contributing to a single anxiety. Bugental proposed that the givens must be accepted as inevitable elements of life. He refereed to this as authentic living. He explains that authenticity is “a term used to characterize a way of being in the world in which one’s being is in harmony with the being of the world itself.” To say it differently, we are “authentic to that degree to which we are at one with the whole of being (world); we are inauthentic to the extent that we are in conflict with the givenness of being” (Bugental & Bugental, 1984).

See Authenticity for more on this topic

Meaninglessness

Bugental posited that the search for meaning is a fundamental human drive. The given of meaninglessness highlights the reality that the universe does not inherently possess meaning.

Viktor Frankl wrote:

“Despair over the apparent meaninglessness of life constitutes a human achievement rather than a neurosis. After all, no animal cares whether or not its existence has a meaning. It is the prerogative of man to quest for a meaning to his life, and also to question whether such meaning exists” (Frankl, 2001).

May explains:

“Generally the threat of meaninglessness is experienced negatively as a threat to the existence of the self. But when this form of anxiety is confronted affirmatively—when the individual both realizes the threat of meaninglessness and takes a stand against the threat—the result is a strengthening of the individual’s feeling of being a self, a strengthening of his perception of himself as distinct from the world of nonbeing, of objects” (May, 1950).

Instead, it is up to individuals to create and assign their own meanings to their lives. This realization can be both liberating and challenging, as it demands a proactive engagement in constructing a life that feels significant and purposeful.

The Unpredictability of Life

Another anxiety flowing from the givens is the inherent unpredictability of life. On one hand, we have freedom and choice, but on the other, there is no promises that those choices will work out as we plan. Richo explains that individual plans are “therefore secondary to the larger purposes of a flowing universe” (Richo, 2006). This anxiety is especially relevant to those that have a protection orientation to life, choosing safety over growth. For some, the best way to approach this anxiety is to avoid making choices, and denying personal freedom.

Implications for Existential Psychotherapy

Bugental’s Givens of Being have profound implications for existential psychotherapy. By confronting these core realities, therapists can help individuals navigate their existential anxieties and live more authentically. The therapeutic process involves acknowledging and exploring these givens, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the world.

Confronting Mortality

In therapy, addressing the inevitability of death can lead to a more profound appreciation of life. Bugental explains that the anticipation to death is a crucial “existential and psychotherapeutic matter.” Death is the “definitive non-being becomes apparently synonymous with nothingness” (Bugental, 1981, p. 26).

In therapy, clients are encouraged to reflect on their mortality and how it shapes their values and behaviors. This confrontation with death can inspire a more intentional and meaningful way of living.

Embracing Freedom and Responsibility

Therapists help clients navigate the complexities of freedom and responsibility, empowering them to make choices that align with their values and aspirations. This process involves exploring the consequences of past decisions and fostering a sense of agency in shaping one’s future.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi wrote:

“People who lead a satisfying life, who are in tune with their past and with their future—in short, people whom we would call ‘happy’—are generally individuals who have lived their lives according to rules they themselves created. They understand their motives and their limitations. They have carved out a small freedom of choice” (Csikszentmihalyi, 2009).

Addressing Isolation

Psychotherapists can address a client’s feeling of isolation through a variety of therapeutic approaches. One key aspect is fostering a genuine, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship (Murphy, 2021). This provides a safe and supportive space for the client to explore their feelings of isolation without fear of judgment or rejection. Through active listening, reflection, and validation, the therapist helps the client feel heard and understood, mitigating the sense of aloneness.

Furthermore, therapists can guide clients in identifying and challenging negative self-beliefs and social anxieties that may contribute to feelings of isolation. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques can be employed to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns, such as “I’m not worthy of connection” or “No one wants to be around me.” By challenging these unhelpful beliefs, clients can develop a more realistic and positive self-image, increasing their willingness to engage in social interactions.

Finally, therapists can encourage clients to explore and develop meaningful connections. This may involve suggesting activities that foster social interaction, such as joining social groups, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies that involve social engagement. Therapists can also help clients develop social skills, such as communication and assertiveness, which can enhance their ability to build and maintain healthy relationships.

Creating Meaning

In the face of meaninglessness, therapists support clients to construct a life narrative that feels significant and purposeful. Michael Eigen wrote that when one’s “scream becomes meaningless,” we no longer “scream when wronged” (Eigen, 1999). Accepting the givens of life does not imply we don’t experience emotion in response to adverse situations. Remember, the first given is embodiment—we feel life.

Research strongly associates having purpose with longer, happier, and wealthier lives (Pfund et al., 2024). A primary goal of therapy within the context of Bugental’s five givens is to help clients find purpose. This is the fundamental goal in Frankl’s Logotherapy.

Julian Baggini, founding editor of The Philosopher’s Magazine, explains that Jean-Paul Sartre taught that the crucial truth we have to recognize is that because purpose and meaning are “not built in to human life, we ourselves are responsible for fashioning our own purposes. It is not that life has no meaning, but that it has no predetermined meaning.” Baggini adds that this requires us “to confront our own responsibility for creating meaning for ourselves” (Baggini, 2005, pg. 12).

Raymond Angelo Belliotti, a professor of philosophy, wrote:

“We should learn how to turn suffering, pain, and adversity to practical advantage. In most cases, meaning and value can be wrenched, admirable character can be forged, and worthwhile responses can be conjured from difficult situations. Adversity is irredeemably bad only if we collaborate in its intrigue” (Belliotti, 2011).

The therapist helps the client explore personal values, passions, and goals, and finding ways to integrate them into daily living without denying the inevitable givens of life.

See a Meaningful Life for more on this topic

Navigating Uncertainty

Therapy helps individuals embrace the unpredictability of life, cultivating resilience and adaptability. Reid Hastie  and Robyn Dawes wrote that people who attempt “to grasp the totality of situations in order to predict or control exactly what will happen seldom fare as well as those who seek the more modest goal of living with the uncertainty” (Hastie & Dawes, 2009).

Life will never be perfectly predictable. The given that we have individual freedom to make choices inherently suggests that others possess that same freedom. When billions of people on the planet are making choices, it is inherent that desires will collide, creating chaos and disruption. Uncertainty also pertains to the nature of the universe and laws of complex systems. Consequences are not the product of a single act but a single link in an infinitely long chain of countless events colliding at a moment in time. The uncertainties and unpredictability inherent in the givens of life require skill to navigate.

Paul Tillich wrote:

“Everybody carries a hostility toward the existence into which he has been thrown, toward the hidden powers which determine his life and that of the universe, toward that which makes him guilty and that threatens him with destruction because he has become guilty. We all feel rejected and hostile toward what has rejected us. We all try to appease it and in failing, we become more hostile” (Tillich, 2005).

To Tillich’s point, life disrupts, surprises, and frustrates. These frustrations naturally invoke anger and aggression (Dollard et al., 1939).

Clients learn to navigate uncertainty with a sense of curiosity and openness, appreciating the dynamic nature of existence.

See Living with Uncertainty for more on this topic

Associated Concepts

• Feeling Life: This concept suggests that our existence is deeply intertwined with our emotional and sensory perceptions. It suggests that the essence of life is not just about the passage of time, but also about the richness of our feelings, sensations, and emotions.
• Spielman’s Theory of Destruction: This theory examines the concept of destruction instinct as a powerful force driving human behavior. This theory suggests that alongside the life instinct (Eros), humans possess a destructive instinct (Thanatos) that can manifest in various forms, including aggression, self-harm, and even creativity.
• Existential Funk: This refers to an existential crisis is a period in life where events, often traumatic, create doubt and confusion, accompanied by a distinct impression that life lacks meaning.
• Humanistic Psychoanalysis: This therapy style, primarily developed by Erich Fromm, merges humanistic psychology with psychoanalytic concepts, emphasizing personal growth, self-actualization, and the significance of relationships. It critiques societal norms that prevent authentic living and highlights the interplay between individual freedom and social connection.
• Death Instinct: This concept, also known as ‘Thanatos,’ suggests that humans possess an innate drive towards self-destruction and aggression. According to Freud, alongside the life instinct (Eros), which drives us towards self-preservation, there exists a counterbalancing force that causes self-destructive behaviors and aggressive tendencies.
• Existential Humanistic Therapy: This therapy style is rooted in philosophies of existentialism and humanism, this therapeutic approach places emphasis on transcending life’s challenges through individual freedom, personal responsibility, and an existential search for creating personal meaning.
• Terror Management Theory: This theory explains how individuals cope with the anxiety and fear associated with their own mortality. According to TMT, people seek to manage the existential terror that arises from the awareness of their own mortality by constructing and maintaining cultural worldviews and self-esteem.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

In exploring the depths of James Bugental’s Givens of Being, we uncover a profound understanding of the existential anxieties that shape our human experience. By acknowledging our embodiment, the inevitability of death, and our inherent freedom and isolation, we are confronted with the very essence of what it means to be alive. These givens compel us to grapple with life’s uncertainties and search for personal meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable. Embracing these realities does not merely invite anxiety; rather, it empowers us to live authentically and passionately as we navigate through existence.

Ultimately, Bugental’s framework offers an invaluable pathway toward self-discovery and growth within existential psychotherapy. Through this lens, clients can transform their fears into opportunities for deeper connections and more meaningful lives. As we engage with the complexities arising from mortality, responsibility, isolation, meaninglessness, and unpredictability, we are encouraged to cultivate resilience and seek fulfillment beyond societal norms. This dynamic interaction between confronting reality and finding purpose invites each individual to forge a life rich with authenticity—echoing the very core themes introduced at the outset: research into human behavior illuminated by passion for psychology leads us towards knowledge that fosters genuine living amidst our shared struggles as human beings.

Last Update: October 6, 2025