Humanistic approach

• Free will 


  Claims human beings are essentially self determining and have free will

  People still affected by external and internal influences but are also active agents who can determine their own development

  Rogers and Maslow reject more scientific models that attempt to establish general principles of human behaviour - as active agents we are all unique and psychology should concern itself with the study of subjective experience rather than general laws- person centred approach.
• Maslows hierarchy of needs


  One of main interests was what motivates ppl- hierarchy of needs that motivate our behaviour

  In order to achieve our primary goal, self actualisation, no. of other deficiency needs must first be met:

  Self actualistion

  Self esteem

  love and belongingness

  Safety and security

  Physiological needs
• Self actualisation 


  Most people have innate desire to achieve their full potential

  All four lower levels of hierarchy must be met before individual can work towards self actualisation and fulfil their potential.

  Regard personal growth as essential part of what is is to be human
• Self, congruence and conditions of worth

  Rogers argued for personal growth to be achieved concept of self must be broadly equivalent, have congruence, with their ideal self.

  If too big a gap exists between two selves the person will experience state of incongruence and self actualisation will not be possible due to the negative feelings of self worth that arise from incongruence
• Rogers' client centred therapy 'counselling'


  • To reduce gap between self concept and ideal self - help people cope with the problems of everyday living
  • Many issues we experience as adults eg worthlessness, low self esteem have their roots in childhood
  • Lack of unconditional positive regard from our parents- "I will only love you if" stores up psychological problems for that child in future
• Unconditional positive regard


  Rogers provided his clients with the unconditional positive regard they failed to receive as children