Humanistic psychology

• What is humanistic psychology?

  An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experiences and each person's capacity for self-determination.
• Free will:

  The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by internal biological or external forces. Humanistic psychologists see humans as affected by external and internal influences but self-determining (have free will).
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs:

  In Maslow's hierarchy of needs the four lower levels must be met before the individual can work towards self-actualisation. At the bottom are physiological needs such as food and water.
• What is self-actualisation?


  The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one's full potential - becoming what you are capable of.
• Focus on the self:

  The 'self' refers to the ideas and values that characterise 'I' and 'me' and includes perception of 'what I am' and 'what I can do'.
• What is congruence?

  When the self-concept and ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match.
• Conditions of worth:

  Issues such as worthlessness and low self-esteem have their roots in childhood and are due to a lack of unconditional positive regard from our parents.
• Counselling psychology:

  Client-centred therapy aims to increase feelings of self-worth and reduce incongruence between the self-concept and the ideal self.
• AO3 - Not reductionist:


  Humanistic psychologists reject any attempt to break up behaviour and experience into smaller components. They advocate holism. This approach may have more validity than its alternatives by considering meaningful human behaviour within its real-world context.
• AO3 - Positive approach:


  Humanistic psychologists have been praised for promoting a positive image of the human condition - seeing people as in control of their lives and having the freedom to change.
• AO3 - Cultural bias:


  Many humanistic ideas would be more associated with individualist cultures. Collectivist cultures, which emphasise the needs of the group, may not identify so easily with the ideals and values of humanistic psychology.
• AO3 - Limited application:

  Critics argue that, compared to other approaches, humanistic psychology has had limited impact within psychology, or practical application in the real world.