Humanist Psychology Flashcards
What is humanist psychology
Came to importance in the second half of the 20th century
Focused on the patient and their involvement in their own therapy, instead of a therapist or psychologist interpretation (empowers patient)
Uses Qualitative methods (diary accounts, questionnaires, unstructured interviews, and observations)
Rejects Quantitative methods (experiments)
Abraham Maslow
Considered one of the founders of humanist psychology
More interested in studying people who were healthy instead of sick people like Freud
Studied “self-actualizing”, when physical and mental needs are met, a person reaches their full potential
Well known for his “Hierarchy of Needs” (basic needs must be fulfilled before higher-order needs become important)
Observed clients instead of experimentation
Criticisms: very quantitative method (rigid step-by-step structure)
Humanism in Education
Student-centred, or Open education
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, to be curious and creative, and to learn independently as much as possible
Role of teacher is to understand why students behave the way they do, and to learn how to help them achieve growth
Principles of Open Education
Students will learn best what they want and need to know once they learn the skills to analyze what is important to them and why
Knowing how to learn is more important than acquiring a lot of knowledge
Self-evaluation is the only meaningful evaluation of a student’s work
Feelings are as important as facts
Students learn best in a non-threatening environment
Humanism in the Workplace
In a collaborative workplace, managers provide a positive, nonjudgmental environment where creativity, individuality, and risk-taking are valued
Can improve employee motivation because each person’s self-esteem needs are considered and more responsibility is given to them
This consideration of the whole person fosters self-actualization, the ultimate goal of humanist psychology
Viktor Frankl (1905-1997)
Different approach from Maslow
Theories and therapy techniques frew from his experiences in Auschwitz (Nazi concentration camp) during WWII
Observed his fellow prisoners in the concentration camp and learned that those that survived often did so because they had something to hold onto (a loved one, project to complete, etc..)
Created a therapy called logotherapy
Believed everyone had an inborn inclination to seek the meaning of their own existence ( humans are motivated by a need for meaning)
Those who do not find meaning will feel empty, leading to depression
“Freedom of will”, everyone can choose how to respond to situations, thus have the power to control and shape your life.
Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
Considered one of the founders of humanist psychology
Developed “client-centred therapy”, focused on potential of each person to realize their own growth in self-awareness and self-fulfillment
Focuses on the present and future instead of the past
Gives more value to conscious, rather than unconscious, thoughts
Believed that people were basically good and have a need to self-actualize
Worked towards ending social conflicts throughout the world, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize
Client-Centred Model
Psychotherapists create a warm environment in which clients can express any feelings or thoughts without fear of judgement (safe space)
As client explore their emotions and attitudes on specific issues, they will discover the underlying motivations for them
By playing active role in the discovery process, the client not only gains better insight but also gains self-acceptance
Psychotherapist follows a predictable process, and uses specific techniques, but does not interpret for the client
Because of its effectiveness, has become the basis of modern psychotherapy
Logotherapy
on a concept based on the premise that the primary motivational force of an individual is to find meaning in life.
