Humanistic Approach

Question 1

Humanistic psychology

Answer 1

An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each persons capacity for self-determination (free will)

Question 2

Maslow (1943) hierarchy of needs

Answer 2

• Self-actualisation
• Self esteem
• Love and belonging
• Safety and security
• Physiological needs

Question 3

What is self-actualisation?

Answer 3

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s full potential. All deficiency needs must be met before self-actualisation (a growth need)

Question 4

Rogers (1940)

Answer 4

Argues that for personal growth to be achieved an individuals perception of self must have congruence with their ideal self. Client-centred therapy using unconditional positive regard developed to reduce the gap between perceived and ideal self

Question 5

Strengths of humanistic psychology

Answer 5

• Advocates Holism (eg. Rejects attempts to break up behaviour into simple stimulus-response or basic physiological processes, increasing validity)
• Optimistic (eg. Brings the ‘person’ back to psychology, promoting a positive image of the human condition)

Question 6

Limitations of humanistic psychology

Answer 6

• Lacks empirical evidence (eg. Abstract ideas unable to be broken down into measurable variables, lacking scientific rigour)
• Cultural bias (eg. Ideas more readily associated with individualist cultures, ignoring collectivist cultures)