Humanistic Approach

Question 1

Free Will

Answer 1

Human beings are self-determining and have free will
We are active agents who have the ability to determine our own development
Humanistic psychologists reject scientific models who attempt to establish general principles of human behaviour
We are all unique and psychology should concern itself with the study of subjective experience rather than general laws
Person-centered approach

Question 2

Self-actualisation

Answer 2

Every person has an innate tendency to achieve their full potential
Represents the uppermost level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
All four levels must be met before the individual can work towards self-actualisation and fulfil their potential
Personal growth is concerned with developing and changing as a person to become fulfilled, satisfied and goal-orientated

Question 3

Self, congruence and conditions of worth

Answer 3

Rogers argue that for personal growth to be achieved an individuals concept of self must be broadly equivalent to or have congruence with their ideal self. If too big a gap exists between the two selves the person will experience a state of incongruence and self-actualisation will not be possible due to the negative feelings of self-worth that arise from incongruence

Developed client-centred therapy to help people cope with the problems of everyday living
Rogers claims that many of the issues we experience as adults have their roots in childhood and can often be explained by lack of unconditional positive regard
A parent who sets boundaries or limits on their love for their child is storing up psychological problems for that child in the future

Question 4

AO3- Humanistic Approach
Not reductionist

Answer 4

Rejects any attempt to break up behaviour and experience into smaller components
Advocate holism- subjective experience can only be understood by considering the whole person
Considers meaningful human behaviour within its real-life context

Question 5

AO3- Humanistic Approach
Limited Application

Answer 5

Has had limited impact within the displace of psychology as a whole. Due to lack of evidence base and also that the approach has been described as not a comprehensive theory but as a loose set of rather abstract concepts

Question 6

AO3- Humanist Approach
Positive Approach

Answer 6

praised for bringing the person back into psychology and promoting a positive image of the human condition
Freud saw humans beings as slaves to their past and claimed all of us existed somewhere between common unhappiness and absolute despair.
Offers a refreshing and optimistic alternative- it sees all people as basically good, free to work towards the achievement of their potential and in control of their lives