Humanistic Approach

• key assumptions

  should study a person as a whole, instead of singular mental processes/behaviour
• free will (humanism)

  our actions are not determined by cause/effect relationships, we consciously choose our behaviours freely
• self-actualisation

  the point at which an individual has reached their full potential.

  humanists believe everyone has the capability and motivation to work towards this goal.
• conditions of worth

  conditions imposed on an individuals behaviour and development that are considered necessary to earn positive regard from significant others.
• congruence

  how close the self-concept (how you see yourself) and the ideal self (how you wish to be) are perceived.

  if there is a big difference (incongruence), self-actualisation cannot be achieved
• client centred therapy (Rogers)

  attempt to help the client achieve congruence and provides unconditional positive regard.

  the client is the ‘expert’ responsible for solving their own problems.
• maslow’s hierarchy of needs

  self-actualisation

  esteem needs

  love/belonging

  safety needs

  survival needs

  all the needs must be satisfied before the individual can achieve self-actualisation
• ao3 - self-actualisation

  concepts such as self-actualisation are not clearly defined as humanists see everyone as unique, therefore it is not measurable.
• ao3 - cultural bias

  individualist western cultures vs. collectivist cultures

  may place the hierarchy of needs in a different order
• ao3- not reductionist

  advocate holism and reject any attempts to break up behaviour and experience into smaller components.

  may have more validity than other approaches