humanistic

Question 1

Abraham Maslow (AO1)

Answer 1

Maslow believes humans are motivated by needs beyond those of basic biological survival.
Fundamental to human nature is the desire to grow and develop to achieve our full potential – referred to as ‘self-actualisation’.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs ranges from basic needs to higher level psychological and actualisation needs.
All four levels of the hierarchy must be met before an individual can work towards self actualisation (top of the hierarchy).

Question 2

free will

Answer 2

Humanistic psychologists such as Rogers and Maslow, reject scientific models that attempt to establish general principles of human behaviour.
They believe as active agents we are all unique, and psychology should concern itself with the study of subjective experience rather than general laws.
This is referred to as a ‘person-centred’ approach.

Question 3

Carl Rogers – the self, congruence and conditions of worth (AO1)

Answer 3

Rogers argued that for personal growth to be achieved an individual’s concept of self (how they see themselves) must be broadly equivalent to, or have congruence (the state achieved by coming together) with, their ideal self (the person they want to be).

If the gap between the two is too big the person will experience a state of incongruence and self-actualisation will not be possible due to negative feelings of self-worth that arise from incongruence

Question 4

Conditions of worth (AO1)

Answer 4

Humans have a basic need to feel nurtured and valued by significant people in their lives, such as parents (love, praise and acceptance).
If this is given freely, without conditions (unconditional positive regard), then people will develop a healthy sense of self-worth, recognising their abilities and difficulties.