Humanistic approach

Question 1

Three ideas

Main assumptions

Answer 1

• Humans are unique and should not be compared with other humans or animals.
• Self-actualisation: humans are motivated by a need to grow and fulfill their potential
• People have ‘free will’, behaviour is not determined

Question 2

Each stage must be fulfilled…

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 2

1. Physiological needs
2. safety and security
3. love and belonging
4. self-esteem
5. self-actualisation

Question 3

Focus on the self

Answer 3

Self-concept - How a person perceives themselves

Ideal-self - who they aspire to be

Question 4

Conditions of worth

Answer 4

Unconditional positive regard: being given love and acceptance without limits.
Conditions of worth - when a person only feels a sense of self-acceptance if they meet the expectations put on them by others.

Question 5

What is humanistic Person-centred therapy?

Answer 5

Roger’s form of therapy is non-directive. The client is encouraged towards the discovery of their own solutions within a therapeutic atmosphere which is supportive.

Aim - to increase self-worth and reduce levels of incongruence between self-concept and ideal self, and to help the person become fully functioning.

Question 6

Strength

Answer 6

Positive and holistic - promotes the idea that we have free will, does not reduce behaviour like other approaches.

Question 7

Weakness

Answer 7

Culturally biased - self-actualisation is more Western and individualistic