Humanistic approach

• Humanism assumptions

  > All humans can determine their own behaviour and have free will

  > All humans have an innate need for self-actualisation and will achieve this provided they have the right environment for personal growth

  > Each person is a rational and conscious being and not dominated by unconscious primitive instincts
• Humanism AO3

  :) Holistic approach

  > Takes into account subjective experiences

  > Whereas reductionist approaches such as behaviourism reduce complex human behaviour to a consequence of stimulus, response and association

  > Humanism is seen as a more valid way of understanding human behaviour in a real life context
• Humanism AO3

  :) Practical applications

  > Person Centred Therapy

  > PCT can be used to treat abnormalities such as depression and helps the individual reach self-actualisation

  > Therefore the humanistic approach is an important part of applied psychology
• Humanism AO3

  :( Limited by cultural relativism

  > Self-actualisation is based on a western culture

  > Collectivist cultures emphasise working as a group and community

  > Therefore it is possible this approach doesnt apply universally and is limited to western cultures