Approaches- Humanistic Psychology

Question 1

Rejection of scientific method

Answer 1

Humanists argue that human behaviour is complex, so unsuitable for study through traditional scientific methods, which seek to identify and test simple cause-and-effect relationships objectively.

Question 2

Free will

Answer 2

Unlike other psychological approaches that identify specific deterministic causes of behaviour, humanists argue that external causes do not set our behaviours. Instead, we have Free will, this is acting with personal agency, the ability of individuals to shape their own lives through conscious decision-making.

Question 3

Holistic

Answer 3

Humanists criticise other approaches for their reductionist explanations. Instead of attributing behaviour solely to genetics (as biological psychologists might), learned responses (behaviourists), observed rewards (social learning theorists), cognitive priming (cognitive psychologists), or unconscious drives (psychodynamic theory), humanists instead suggest a holistic approach, considering all these factors and their interactions.

Question 4

Evaluation of humanistic psychology
Unscientific

Answer 4

Humanistic psychology is considered non-scientific due to its reliance on non-experimental qualitative methods. This leads to a lack of empirical evidence for many of its claims.

Concepts central to humanistic psychology, such as self-actualisation, are criticised for their vague definitions and lack of operationalisation, meaning they aren’t defined in measurable terms. This characteristic makes it challenging to test the validity of humanistic theories.

Question 5

Evaluation of humanistic psych
More accurate

Answer 5

A holistic, humanistic approach to explaining behaviour could be more accurate, capturing the complexity of human experience.

Simple explanations often face criticism for overlooking multiple contributing factors. For example, both environmental and biological elements interact, as demonstrated by diathesis-stress responses.

Question 6

The humanistic focus on non-experimental methods

Answer 6

Case studies involve detailed research into single individuals or specific events, which matches the humanistic goal of capturing the richness and depth of human experience rather than reducing it to variables that can be easily manipulated or measured in an experimental setting.

Question 7

The humanistic focus on mental health

Answer 7

Unlike other psychological perspectives that concentrate on how the mind malfunctions and treating mental illnesses, humanistic psychologists explore personal growth, self-understanding, and self-actualisation, humans achieving their highest potential and performing at their best.

Question 8

Humanists consider self actualisation as

Answer 8

the highest level of psychological development, it is the process of realising your full potential. The individual deeply understands themselves, their values, and their purpose in life.

Question 9

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs

Answer 9

Abraham Maslow that outlines a sequence of human needs in the form of a pyramid. Maslow argued that certain foundational needs must be met before an individual can achieve self-actualisation. The hierarchy starts with the most basic needs and progresses to higher levels.

Question 10

Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs

Answer 10

Self-Actualisation
Esteem Needs
Love and Belongingness Needs
Safety Needs
Physiological Needs

Question 11

Physiological Needs:

Answer 11

These are the basit necessities for human survival, such as food, water, warmth, and rest.

Question 12

Safety Needs:

Answer 12

these include personal and financial security, health, and well-being.

Question 13

Love and Belongingness Needs:

Answer 13

social needs include the desire for intimate relationships, friends, and social connections.

Question 14

Esteem Needs:

Answer 14

Both self-esteem and esteem from others, including feelings of accomplishment and recognition.

Question 15

Self-Actualisation:

Answer 15

At the top of the hierarchy this represents seeking personal growth and the fulfilment of personal potential.

Question 16

What did Carl Rogers argue?

Answer 16

congruence is essential for achieving self-actualisation.

Question 17

Congruence

Answer 17

Congruence refers to the alignment between one’s perceived self (self-image) and ideal self (the person one aspires to be).

Question 18

When does an individual experience congruence ?

Answer 18

When there is a significant gap between the perceived and ideal selves, the person experiences incongruence and cannot achieve self-actualisation. Rogers believed that reducing this gap and increasing congruence is crucial for personal development and well-being.

Question 19

How can an individual become congruent ?

Answer 19

Firstly by adopting a more realistic ideal self

Then by
Enhancing perceived self

Question 20

Becoming congruent
Adopt a More Realistic Ideal Self

Answer 20

Often, people’s ideal selves are shaped by conditions of worth, which are expectations from others that one must meet to earn their love or approval.

Conditions of worth can lead to an ideal self that is unattainably perfect or not truly reflective of someone’s genuine desires and values. By recognising and modifying these unrealistic standards, individuals can set more attainable goals that are in harmony with their true selves.

Question 21

Becoming congruent
Enhance Perceived self

Answer 21

Improving perceived self is helped by receiving unconditional positive regard from others, acceptance and love without conditions or expectations.
When individuals experience this support, they are more likely to develop a positive and realistic self-image, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses without undue self-criticism.

Question 22

Which therapy was developed by Carl Rogers ?

Answer 22

client-centred therapy, emphasises the importance of the present and the future over the past and aims to assist clients in achieving congruence between their perceived and ideal selves.

Question 23

Client centred therapy

Answer 23

the therapist does not assume the role of an expert who directs the client; instead, the approach is founded on the belief that clients are the best experts on their own lives and experiences. The therapist’s role is to offer support, facilitating the client’s journey toward self-discovery and resolution of their issues.

Question 24

Therapists in client-centred therapist

Answer 24

The therapist will give unconditional positive regard, a level of acceptance that clients may not receive from friends or family

Question 25

Evaluation
Non scientific

Answer 25

Humanistic psychology is considered non-scientific due to its reliance on non-experimental qualitative methods. This leads to a lack of empirical evidence for many of its claims. Concepts central to humanistic psychology, such as self-actualisation, are criticised for their vague definitions and lack of operationalisation, meaning they aren’t defined in measurable terms. This characteristic makes it challenging to test the validity of humanistic theories.

Question 26

Evaluation
More accurate

Answer 26

A holistic, humanistic approach to explaining behaviour could be more accurate, capturing the complexity of human experience. Simple explanations often face criticism for overlooking multiple contributing factors. For example, both environmental and biological elements interact, as demonstrated by diathesis-stress responses.

Question 27

Evaluation
Practical application

Answer 27

Humanistic ideas have had practical applications, including client-centred therapy, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has been widely applied. It has improved performance in sports, enhanced employee satisfaction and motivation in the business world, created a better learning environment for students in education, and improved health outcomes by providing holistic care due to a better understanding of patient needs.

Question 28

Evaluation
Culturally biased

Answer 28

Developed in 1960s America, Humanistic psychology may be culturally biased towards Western individualism. It emphasises self-actualisation through personal success, which contrasts with the collectivist values of many cultures, where group harmony and family are prioritised, even at the expense of individual needs. This suggests a superiority of Western individualistic norms, implying people in collectivist societies are less capable of achieving self-actualisation.

Question 29

Evaluation
COUNTER POINT TO FACE VALIDITY

Answer 29

The humanistic view that humans act with free will has face validity; people have a subjective experience of autonomy and self-direction and like to believe their actions are based on their own free choices rather than being driven solely by unconscious impulses or environmental factors. However, while free will may fit better with people’s perceived ideas about their behaviour, this may be an illusion as there is significant empirical evidence behaviour is, at least in part, determined by biological and environmental factors.