Humanistic Approach

Question 1

Main assumptions (3)

Answer 1

1. A scientific method isn’t appropriate to study human behaviour as lab studies and other scientific methods are objective and data based, whereas humans are subjective beings.
2. Humans should be viewed holistically (consider their past and present when studying them).
3. Every person is unique so humanistic psychologists don’t construct general laws/principles to explain human behaviour.

Question 2

Free will

Answer 2

Aside from social/physical constraints (e.g laws) we are in control of our behaviour and therefore our development and lives.

Question 3

Maslow

Answer 3

Humanist psychologist who developed a pyramid representing heirarchy of human needs.

Question 4

hierarchy of needs

Answer 4

Maslow’s pyramid of human needs, beginning at the base with physiological needs then, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, self actualisation.

Question 5

Self-actualisation

Answer 5

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s full potential - becoming what you are capable of.

Question 6

Congruent

Answer 6

When ideal self and actual self are very closely aligned which allows a person feelings of self worth.

Question 7

incongruent

Answer 7

When ideal self and real self don’t align which causes low self esteem and makes self-actualisation unachievable.

Question 8

Self-concept

Answer 8

all our thoughts and feelings about ourselves, in answer to the question, “Who am I?”

Question 9

ideal self

Answer 9

one’s perception of whom one should be or would like to be

Question 10

+ holistic approach (AO3)

Answer 10

Not reductionist. Rejects attempts to break behaviour down into smaller components. Subjective experience can only be accurately studied by considering a person’s past and present.

Question 11

client-centered therapy

Answer 11

a humanistic therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, in which the therapist uses techniques such as active listening within a genuine, accepting, empathic environment to facilitate clients’ growth. (Also called person-centered therapy.)

Question 12

+ positive approach (AO3)

Answer 12

Offers a refreshing, optimistic approach that determines people as being in control of their own behaviours and lives and having freedom to change.
- opposes Freud who said humans are slaves to their past.

Question 13

• Cultural bias (AO3)

Answer 13

This approach can be applied to western, individualistic cultures such at the USA but not to collectivist cultures such as India which emphasise the needs of the group. So this approach is not universally applicable.

Question 14

Conditions of worth

Answer 14

Conditions imposed on an individual’s behaviour and development that are
considered necessary to earn positive regard from significant others.

Question 15

Unconditional positive regard

Answer 15

love no matter what, the unconditional love is essential to the development of a well-adjusted adult. THIS IS ESSENTIAL TO THRIVE