an approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self determination.
self actualisation
The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s full potential.All four lower levels have to be met for self-actualisation to occur.Personal growth is concerned with developing and changing as a person to become fulfilled ,satisfied,and goal orientated.
self, congruence and conditions of worth
Rogers argued that for personal growth to occur an individual’s self(the way they see themselves)has to be in congruence with their ideal self.If the gap is too big ,the person will experience incongruence and negative feelings meaning that self-actualisation can’t be reached.
conditions of worth
when a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children.
rejection of scientific method
humanists argue that human behaviour is complex, so unsuitable for study through traditional scientific methods, which seek to identify and test simple cause and effect relationships objectively
free will
humanists argue that external causes do not set our behaviours
instead we have free will, this is acting with personal agency, the ability of individuals to shape their own lives through conscious decision making
maslow's hierarchy of needs
certain foundational needs must be met before an individual can achieve self-actualisation.
