The Humanistic Approach

• (AO1) Give the basic assumption / intro

  The approach emphasises the complexity of human behaviour, advocating for research at an individual level to account for the subjective experiences of each person.

  
  

  It asserts that people possess free will, enabling them to control their actions and make choices, are not predetermined.

  
  

  Thus, this approach focuses on the self, and emphasises a positive outlook on human potential, emphasising the capacity for personal growth and self-actualisation.
• (AO1) Define Maslow's hierarchy of needs

  Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which is hierarchal in nature, outlines the stages required to achieve self-actualisation - the realisation of one's goals and potential.
• (AO1) State the stages

  Begins with: PHYSIOLOGICAL needs (e.g. food, water, breathing) which are essential for survival.

  
  

  Once these basic needs met: SAFETY needs (e.g. housing) must be fulfilled.

  
  

  Next level involves: LOVE and BELONGING (e.g. where individuals seek connection within a group).

  
  

  Followed by: ESTEEM needs (e.g. focused on individual self-worth).

  
  

  When all previous needs are satisfied, individuals can strive for SELF-ACTUALISATION (the realisation of one's goals and potential), free from prejudice and able to realise to their potential.

  
• (AO1) Explain Roger's conditions of worth

  Roger's conditions of worth contrast with behavioural techniques, emphasising that worth is not earned, but is instead freely given.

  
  

  He proposed that individuals should receive unconditional positive regard, meaning they are accepted and treated the same regardless of their actions/behaviours.

  
  

  Thus, this opposes the idea that individuals must meet certain conditions to be valued, highlighting the importance of accepting a person's inherent (natural) worth.
• (AO3) Limitation - lack empirical evidence

  Point: Lacks empirical evidence to support its claims, raising debates over whether science is necessary to understand human behaviour.

  
  

  Evidence: The PROF argues that without scientific methods, psychological theories lack credibility.

  
  

  HOWEVER: Humanists reject this idea, emphasising that the complexity of human experience cannot be fully captured through objective, scientific measures.

  
  

  Evaluate: This challenges traditional views in psychology, and questions whether science is always essential for understanding human behaviour.
• (AO3) Strength - not reductionist

  Point: Is not reductionist, may improve the validity of its explanations.

  
  

  Evidence: By adopting holistic perspective, approach considers the whole person rather than reducing behaviour to isolated components. Makes it less likely to miss key behaviours/causes of human experience.

  
  

  Evaluate: Holism beneficial for understanding complex conditions like SZ, where interactionism - considering both bio and psyco factors - proven more effective in explaining/treating psychosis.

  • Suggests approach may offer more valid understanding of human behaviour.
• (AO3) Strength RWI

  P: Its real-world influence, particularly in education & counselling, where there is strong consideration of influence on personal development.

  
  

  E: In schools, pastoral support, friends, and rewards like becoming a prefect can enhance self-worth, helping students thrive.

  Similarly, counselling applies unconditional positive regard, reducing conditions of worth & promoting personal growth by focusing on subjective experiences.

  
  

  E: This improves congruence - consistency between person's ideal & perceived self, demonstrating the approach's practical value.
• (AO3) Compare to bio

  Point: The humanistic approach contrasts with the biological approach, offering a more positive outlook on human nature, focusing on growth and self-actualisation rather than biological determinism.

  
  

  Evidence: The biological approach focuses on physiological aspects, while the humanistic approach emphasises personal responsibility.

  
  

  Evaluate: Both focus on the individual, but the humanistic approach is more optimistic, prioritising personal choice, whereas the biological approach emphasises genetic and neurochemical influences.