humanistic psychology

• define humanistic psychology

  subjective experiences and each person's capacity for self-determination
• what's free will?

  humans make choices which aren't determined by biological forces
• define self-actualisation

  desire to grow psychologically to fulfil one's full potential
• what's the hierarchy of needs?

  5 levels of basic needs that need to be satisfied before high psychological needs
• what are the 4 main assumptions of the humanistic approach?

  1. free will
  2. self-actualisation
  3. self, congruence and conditions of worth
  4. Maslow's hierarchy of needs
• outline free will

  human beings are self-determining

  • humans are active agents to determine our own development

  Rogers & Maslow

  • psychology concerns study of subjective experience
  • rejected scientific models
• outline self-actualisation

  every person has innate tendency to achieve full potential

  • personal growth
  • developing to become fulfilled, satisfied and goal-orientated
  • recognition of psychological barriers preventing potential
• outline the idea of self, congruence and conditions of worth

  Rogers - individual's concept of self is congruent to ideal self

  • state of incongruence if not similar
  • self-actualisation won't be possible

  client-centred therapy

  • worthlessness is due to lack of unconditional positive regard
  • parents who set conditions of worth stores psychological problems for child
  • therapy provides unconditional positive regard
• what were Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

  humans are driven by desire to grow as a person

  • different levels of deficient needs that need to be satisfied
  • fulfilling growth needs to strive for self-actualisation
  • meeting needs motivates our behaviour

  
• one strength for the humanistic approach

  positive approach

  • praised for "bringing the person back into psychology"
  • sees individuals as in control of their lives
  • promotes positive image of human condition
• second strength for the humanistic approach

  not reductionist

  • advocates for holism
  • considers behaviour within its real-life context
  • increased validity
• one weakness for the humanistic approach

  limited application

  • lacks sound evidence and isn't comprehensive
  • therapy and hierarchy of needs
  • abstract concepts but has some application