APPROACHES - Humanistic Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions made for the Humanistic Approach

Answer 1

• The whole person needs to be studied as every person is unique
• Must consider free will as this makes decisions in life
• The scientific approach is too objective as it does not consider the subjective experiences unique to every person

Question 2

What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 2

• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory of motivation which dictates human behaviour.

From the bottom of the pyramid going up…
* Physiological needs (food and warmth)
* Safety needs (shelter)
* Belongingness and love needs (relationships and friendships)
* Esteem needs (feeling of accomplishment)
* Self- actualisation (achieving one’s full potential)

Question 3

Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 3

• A person’s most basic physiological needs are at the bottom of the pyramid and the most advanced are at the top
• People are motivated to move through the levels and in order to progress the levels the previous one must be fulfilled first
• The more basic the needs the more its impact is felt and the more difficult it is to ignore
• Self-actualisation occurs when a person achieves their full potential and becomes the best version of themselves. This concerns psychological growth, fulfilment and satisfaction in life

Question 4

What did Maslow find to be the common characteristsics amongst those who achieved self actualisation?

Answer 4

• Maslow found there were common characteristics among those who achieved self-actualisation…
• Creative
• Accepting of other people
• Accurate world view
• They often achieved self-actualisation through peak experiences, where the individual felt moments of extreme inspiration and ecstasy whilst having no doubts or inhibitions.

Question 5

Outline Roger’s theories in regards to positive regard and self-worth

Answer 5

• Rogers claimed that people have 2 basic needs: positive regard and self-worth.
• Feelings of self-worth develop in childhood in interactions with parents but interactions with significant others in adulthood can also influence this.
• There are said to be 2 types of positive regard from others:
• Unconditional positive regard where the person is accepted for who they are
• Conditional positive regard

Question 6

Explain conditional positive regard

Answer 6

• When people experience conditional self-regard they develop conditions of worth, which are conditions that are thought to be needed to be met to be accepted by others.
• Self-acceptance comes from meeting the expectations set by others as conditions of acceptance.

Question 7

Outline Roger’s theory of congruence and incongruence

Answer 7

• When there is a SIMILARITY between the perceived self and the ideal self, a state of congruence is said to exist
• When there is a DIFFERENCE between the perceived self and the ideal self, it is said to be a state of incongruence where negative feelings of self-worth may be felt.
• The closer the perceived self is to the ideal self, the higher self-worth there is
• It is rare for a complete state of congruence to exist; everyone has some varying degree of incongruence. However, most people identify with their ideal self anyway.

Question 8

Where did Roger’s say psychological issues came from?

Answer 8

• Rogers claimed that an individual’s psychological problems stemmed from the conditional positive regard they received from other people.

Question 9

How do humanistic psychologists treat patients?

Answer 9

• Humanistic psychologists act as guides rather than in a directive capacity to allow patients to realise and achieve their potential for self-actualisation. This is done by using unconditional positive regard to dissolve any conditions of worth helping them to act in a way that is true to self.

Question 10

AO3 HUMANISTIC APPROACH - Harter et al. supporting research evidence

Answer 10

• There is evidence to support the role of conditions of worth.
• Teenagers that felt they had to fulfil certain conditions to gain approval from their parents frequently end up not liking themselves and are more susceptible to developing depression
• Therefore, conditions of worth are an important facet of mental health and wellbeing

Question 11

AO3 HUMANISTIC APPROACH - Lacking scientific rigour

Answer 11

• Humanistic approach states that the whole person must be studied as everyone is unique
• But this goes against science as it is reductionist where behaviour is reduced into its simplest components so that it can be studied objectively
• And the humanistic approach is highly subjective

Question 12

AO3 HUMANISTIC APPROACH - Lack of operationalisation

Answer 12

• Humanistic approach introduces concepts such as self-actualisation which inherently lack operationalisation as there is no objective way to study or identify it
• There is no empirical evidence that can be produced to determine if someone has self-actualised

Question 13

AO3 HUMANISTIC APPROACH -

Answer 13

• Humanistic therapy focuses on self-actualisation and personal development
• It helps people uncover their authentic selves and realise their full potential
• Through this process, people can gain clarity about their values, aspirations, and goals, leading to a more fulfilling life.