weaknesses of the humanistic approach

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  • Unscientific and unfalsifiable ​
• • Cultural bias
• criticised for being unscientific and unfalsifiable. 

  Many of the core concepts in humanistic psychology, such as self-actualisation, congruence, and the ideal self, are abstract and cannot be directly observed or measured. Karl Popper argued that a theory is only scientific if it can be falsified — meaning it can be tested and potentially proven wrong.  

  The concepts used in the humanistic approach do not meet this criterion because they are subjective and difficult to define or assess in an objective, measurable way. This lack of falsifiability means the humanistic approach cannot be objectively tested or verified through scientific methods, which limits its status as a credible psychological theory in modern empirical research. Without the ability to rigorously test its claims, the approach relies on self-report and personal accounts, which are less reliable than findings based on observable behaviour or biological measures.
• it may be culturally biased. 

  This is because many of its core concepts, such as personal growth, autonomy and self-actualisation, are based on Western ideals. For example, Rogers' focus on the self and the importance of achieving congruence between the real self and the ideal self reflects values found in individualistic cultures, where personal achievement and independence are highly valued. Similarly, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs places self-actualisation at the top, suggesting that reaching one’s full potential is the ultimate human goal.  

  However, in collectivist cultures, which prioritise community, social roles and interdependence, these concepts may not be seen as important or relevant. For instance, people in collectivist societies may place more emphasis on relationships and group harmony than on individual goals. This means that the humanistic approach lacks cultural validity, as it may not be applicable to all