F Humanistic approach

• asumption of humanistic


  every person is unique and psychology should focus on the subjective feelings and experiences of each individual
• who are the important people in the humanistic approach

  Abraham Maslow

  Carl Rogers
• free will


  individuals have the ability to make choices and decisions not predetermined by external factors - humanistic is the only approach that believes in free will
• self actualisation


  the innate desire to grow and achieve ones full potential- fulfilling, peak experience
• client centred therapy


  client is treated as the expert on thier own condition and therapist is genuine, empathetic and treats client with unconditional positive regard
• steps to client centred therapy

  • therapist is a facilitator
  • understanding client and help the client understand themselves
  • listen carefully and repeat back
  • therapists provide empathy and unconditional positive regard towards client
  • allows the client to feel able to be themselves - reduces incongruence
• Maslow's Hierarchy of needs

  1. physiological needs
  2. safety
  3. belonging and love
  4. self esteem
  5. self actualisation
• self concept


  the self you feel you are
• ideal self


  the self you wish to be
• real self


  self you actually are (according to others)
• congruence


  ideal self and self concept are aligned
• incongruence


  when the self concept and ideal self aren't aligned - causes psychological problems
• conditional positive regard 


  a significant person only valuing someone when they show set behaviours or meet requirements
• unconditional positive regard


  a significant person accepts and loves a person for what they are and refrain from any judgement and criticism
• what does Maslow think is needed for self actualisation

  basic needs are met
• what drives us to fulfill our full potential

  innate desire
• who came up with client centered therapy

  Carl rogers
• what approach is the only one to acknowledge free will

  the humanistic approach
• what are the advantages of the humanistic approach

  • has practical application in client centered therapy
  • acknowledges free will
  • considers all aspects of a persons experience (holistic)
• Disadvantages of the humanistic approach

  • lacks scientific rigour
  • uses case studies