Humanistic Approach

Cards (9)

  • 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.