Humanistic Approach

• The key assumptions of the humanistic psychology approach are:

  • Each individual is unique 
  • Humans have freewill 
  • Science should not be used to explain behaviour 
  • Humans should be viewed holistically and not reduced to parts 
• Freewill = idea humans are not controlled or predetermined by internal biological forces or external factors,

  they have a choice as to their actions and behaviour
• • Humans are self-determining; they are active agents who make their own choices
  • Humans determine their own development 
  • Humans are in control of their own behaviour
• Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was one of the founders of humanistic psychology

  He was interested in what motivated people and how to achieve self-actualisation

  Maslow devised a hierarchy of needs,

  which outlines the path taken to achieve self-actualisation 
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs

  
• Self-actualisation represents the achievement of a person's full potential
• Most people will strive to achieve self actualisation and become the best version of themselves 
• Self-actualisation is at the highest level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and cannot be reached before the other four levels of needs have been met 

  • Level 1: Physiological needs, including, water, food and shelter 
  • Level 2: Safety needs, including, security, structure and protection  
  • Level 3: Social needs, including, friendship, love and intimacy 
  • Level 4: Esteem needs, including positive self-thoughts, achievement and reputation
  • Level 5: Self-actualisation, including self-fulfilment  
• Although self-actualisation is the ultimate goal

  not everyone will achieve it for a variety of reasons

  e.g. unexpected life events, personality factors, socioeconomic factors, illness etc.