Humanistic psychology

• Humanists argue that human behaviour is complex and so is unsuitable for study through traditional scientific methods, which seek to identify and test simple cause-and-effect relationships objectively.
• Defining features of the humanistic approach:

  • Rejection of the scientific method.
  • Free will - We have a personal agency (the ability to make our own conscious decisions).
  • Holistic - Consider all factors and their interactions (eg - biological, learned, observed, cognitive and unconscious drives).
  • Non-experimental methods - Case studies achieve the depth of experiences rather than reducing it to variables that can be easily manipulated or measured.
  • Mental health focus - Humanists explore personal growth and self-actualisation, where we achieve our highest potential and perform the best.
• Strengths of the defining features of the humanistic approach:

  • Holistic humanistic approach to explaining behaviour may be more accurate, capturing complexity of the human experience. Simple explanations often face criticisms for overlooking multiple contributing factors (eg both environmental and biological elements interact, as demonstrated by the diathesis-stress model).
• Limitations of the defining features of the humanistic approach:

  • Considered non-scientific due to the reliance on non-experimental qualitative methods. This can lead to a lack of empirical evidence for many of its claims. Concepts such as self-actualisation are central to the approach and are criticised for their vague definitions and lack of operationalisation. This makes it challenging to test the validity of these theories.
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs - Descending order:

  1. Self-actualisation - Represents seeking personal growth and the fulfilment of personal potential.
  2. Esteem needs - Self esteem and esteem from others, including feeling of accomplishment and recognition.
  3. Love and belongingness - Social needs include the desire for intimate relationships, friends and social connections.
  4. Safety needs - Including personal and financial security, health and well-being.
  5. Physiological needs - Basic necessities for survival such as food, water, warmth and rest.
• Focus on the self:

  Rogers argued congruence is essential for achieving self-actualisation. This is the alignment of ones perceived image and ideal self. When there is a significant gap between the two, individuals experience incongruence and cannot achieve self-actualisation. Rogers believed reducing this gap is crucial for personal development and well-being.
• Becoming congruent:

  • Adopt a more realistic ideal self - Often, ideal selves are shaped by conditions of worth, which are expectations from others that one must meet to earn love or approval. This can lead to an ideal self which is unattainably perfect or not truly reflective of one's genuine desires and values. By recognising and modifying these standards, individuals can set more attainable goals.
• Becoming congruent:

  • Enhance perceived self - Improving the perceived self is helped by receiving unconditional positive regard from others, acceptance and love without conditions or expectations. When an individual experiences this support, they are more likely to develop a positive and realistic self-image, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses without undue self-criticisms.
• Client-centred therapy, developed by Rogers, emphasises the importance of the present and future over the past and aims to assist clients in congruence between their perceived and ideal selves.

  During this therapy, the therapist does not take the role of an expert who directs the client. Instead, the approach is on the belief that the client is the expert in their own lives and experiences. The therapist's role is to offer support, helping the client towards a journey of self discovery, giving unconditional positive regard that the client may not receive from family or friends.
• Strengths of the humanistic approach:

  • Practical applications - Maslow's hierarchy of needs and client-centred therapy has been widely applied to improve performance in sports, enhanced employee satisfaction and improved health outcomes by providing holistic care due to better understanding of patient needs.
• Limitations of the humanistic approach:

  • Culture bound explanations - Maslow’s ideas of self-actualisation and Roger's theory of congruence is viewed as attitudes of a typical of Western, individualist culture. Therefore, due to this cultural bias, humanism may be more readily accepted by Western cultures (who will identify more with these values) as opposed to Eastern collectivist cultures, where such a desire for personal growth may be seen as selfish considering that the needs of the group are greater than that of the individual.