Approaches- Humanistic Psychology Flashcards
What is the humanistic perspective on free will?
Humanistic psychology emphasizes free will, asserting that humans are self-determining and have the ability to shape their own development, unlike deterministic approaches that view behavior as controlled by external or internal forces.
How does humanistic psychology differ from other approaches in terms of determinism?
While other approaches (e.g., behaviorism, psychodynamic) are deterministic, humanistic psychology rejects determinism, focusing on subjective experience and the uniqueness of individuals rather than general laws of behavior.
What is self-actualization?
Self-actualization is the innate tendency to achieve one’s full potential and become the best version of oneself. It is the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, representing personal growth and fulfillment.
What are the levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Maslow’s hierarchy includes:
Physiological needs – basic survival needs like food and water.
Safety and security – need for stability and protection.
Love and belongingness – need for relationships and connection.
Self-esteem – need for respect and recognition.
Self-actualization – achieving one’s full potential.
What is the role of personal growth in humanistic psychology?
Personal growth is essential for becoming fulfilled and goal-oriented. It involves developing and changing as a person, though psychological barriers may prevent some from reaching their potential.
What is the concept of the self and ideal self in Rogers’ theory?
Rogers argued that for personal growth, an individual’s self-concept (how they see themselves) must align with their ideal self (who they want to be). A mismatch leads to incongruence and negative self-worth.
What are conditions of worth?
Conditions of worth are limits set by parents on their love for a child (e.g., “I will only love you if…”). These conditions can lead to psychological issues in adulthood, such as low self-esteem.
What is congruence, and why is it important?
Congruence is the alignment between the self-concept and the ideal self. It is crucial for self-actualization, as incongruence leads to feelings of worthlessness and prevents personal growth.
What is unconditional positive regard?
Unconditional positive regard is the acceptance and support of a person regardless of their behavior. Rogers believed it was essential for healthy development and effective therapy.
What is client-centered therapy?
Client-centered therapy, developed by Rogers, is a non-directive form of psychotherapy where the therapist provides genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard to help clients achieve self-actualization and reduce incongruence.
What are the strengths of humanistic psychology?
Holistic approach – considers the whole person, avoiding reductionism.
Positive perspective – emphasizes human potential, free will, and personal growth.
Practical application – Rogers’ therapy has revolutionized counseling techniques.
What is Maslow’s concept of peak experiences?
Peak experiences are moments of great achievement, ecstasy, or elation when all deficiency needs are satisfied, leading to self-actualization.
What is the Q-sort in Rogers’ therapy?
The Q-sort is an objective measure used by Rogers to assess progress in therapy by evaluating changes in a client’s self-concept and ideal self.
How does humanistic psychology view human nature?
Humanistic psychology sees humans as inherently good, free to achieve their potential, and in control of their lives, offering an optimistic alternative to Freud’s pessimistic view.
Why might Rogers’ therapy be less effective for serious mental disorders?
Rogers’ therapy focuses on mild psychological conditions like anxiety and low self-worth. It may lack the structure and intensity needed to treat severe disorders like schizophrenia.
What are the limitations of humanistic psychology?
Limited real-world application – less impact on psychology compared to other approaches.
Untestable concepts – ideas like self-actualization and congruence are abstract and difficult to measure empirically.
Cultural bias – concepts like individual freedom and autonomy may not apply to collectivist cultures.
What is the humanistic critique of reductionist approaches?
Humanistic psychologists reject reductionism, arguing that behavior and experience cannot be broken into smaller components. They advocate for a holistic understanding of human behavior.
What is the cultural bias in humanistic psychology?
Humanistic concepts like individual freedom and personal growth align more with individualist cultures (e.g., the U.S.) and may not resonate with collectivist cultures that prioritize group needs and interdependence.
