Humanistic approach

Question 1

Why do humanists reject the scientific method?

Answer 1

Human behaviour is complex so you can’t study it using traditional scientific methods.

Question 2

What is free will?

Answer 2

Personal agency
The ability of individuals to shape their own lives through conscious decision making.

Question 3

Why do they criticise other approaches for being reductionist?

Answer 3

They are holistic
instead of saying behaviour is caused solely by one factor, they consider all factors and their interactions.

Question 4

What is a case study?

Answer 4

Detailed research into single individuals or specific events.

Question 5

Why do humanists focus on non-experimental methods?

Answer 5

It captures their goal of richness and depth of human experience rather than reducing it to variables that can be easily manipulated or measured in an experimental setting.

Question 6

Why do humanists focus on mental health?

Answer 6

Concentrate on how the mind malfunctions and treating mental illnesses, explore personal growth, understanding and self actualisation.

Question 7

What is self actualisation?

Answer 7

Humans achieving their highest potential and performing their best.

Question 8

What was Maslow’s study?

Answer 8

Maslows hierarchy of needs.

Question 9

What was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer 9

Certain foundational needs that must be met before an individual can meet self actualisation.

Question 10

what is his hierarchy?

Answer 10

5 Self actualisation
4 Esteem needs
3 Love and belongingness needs
2 Safety needs
1 Psychological needs

Question 11

What is congruence?

Answer 11

The alignment between ones perceived self and ideal self.

Question 12

Who talks about congruence?

Answer 12

Rogers.

Question 13

What happens if there is a gap between the perceived and ideal self?

Answer 13

The person experiences incongruence and cannot achieve self actualisation.

Question 14

What are conditions of worth?

Answer 14

Expectations from others that one must meet to earn their love and approval.

Question 15

What is a problem with conditions of wealth?

Answer 15

It can lead to an ideal self that is unattainably perfect or not truly reflective of someone’s genuine desires and values.

Question 16

How can individuals stop this?

Answer 16

Recognise and modify these unrealistic standards.
They can set more attainable goals that are in harmony with their true selves.

Question 17

How can you improve your self concept?

Answer 17

Receiving unconditional positive regard from others, acceptance and love without condition or expectations.

Question 18

Why is this important?

Answer 18

Individuals are more likely to develop a positive and realistic self image, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses without undue self criticism.

Question 19

What has the influence on counselling been?

Answer 19

Introduction of client centred therapy.

Question 20

What is client centred therapy?

Answer 20

Emphasises the importance of the present and the future over the past and aims to assist clients in achieving congruence between their perceived and ideal selves.

Question 21

What does the therapist do within client centred therapy?

Answer 21

The therapist should offer support, and facilitate their journey toward self discovery and resolution of their issues.
The clients are their best experts on their own lives and experiences.

Question 22

What are the positives of the humanistic approach?

Answer 22

Holistic
Free will - face validity
Practical applications.

Question 23

What does the therapist give their clients?

Answer 23

Unconditional positive regard, a level that they may not receive from friends or family.

Question 24

What are the negatives of the humanistic approach?

Answer 24

Non scientific - based on non experimental qualitative methods.
Other factors have been proven to affect behaviour.
Western individualism.