Save
Approaches
Humanistic Approach
Save
Share
Learn
Content
Leaderboard
Share
Learn
Created by
Rayaan Shafi
Visit profile
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.