Humanistic Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the humanistic approach?

Answer 1

• We are self-determining and have free will.
• Although we are affected by external and internal influences, we are active agents who can determine our own development.
• Scientific models are rejected as everyone’s psychology is different and we should focus on that unique, subjective experience rather than general laws.

Question 2

What is the main study for the humanistic approach?

Answer 2

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Question 3

What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs according to the humanistic approach?

Answer 3

• In order to achieve our primary goal of self-actualisation we must first meet the needs below it.
• E.g. Before anything we must first meet the physiological needs of food and water, then safety and security, love and belongingness and then self-esteem.

Question 4

What is self actualisation according to the humanistic approach?

Answer 4

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil ones potential.

Question 5

What is the ‘self, congruence and conditions of worth’ according to the humanistic approach?

Answer 5

• For personal growth to be achieved we must see ourselves (self) equivalent to our ideal self (congruence).
• If we do not see ourselves like this, self-actualisation will not be possible due to the negative feelings of self-worth.

Question 6

What are the four evaluation points for the humanistic approach?

Answer 6

• Not reductionist (S)
• Positive approach (S)
• Cultural bias (L)
• Limited application (L)

Question 7

Explain the evaluation point ‘not reductionist (S)’ for the humanistic approach:

Answer 7

• Rejects attempts to break up behaviour and experience smaller components (reductionism)
• Humanistic psychologists advocate holism, the idea that subjective experience can only be understood by considering the whole person.

Question 8

Explain the evaluation point ‘positive approach (S)’ for the humanistic approach:

Answer 8

• Praised for bringing the person back into psychology and promoting a positive image of the human condition.
• Offers a refreshing and optimistic alternative to other approaches.

Question 9

Explain the evaluation point ‘cultural bias (L)’ for the humanistic approach:

Answer 9

• Many of the ideas emphasized in the approach are specific to individualistic cultures e.g. the idea of individual freedom, autonomy and personal growth
• Not globally applicable e.g. to collectivist cultures like Japan

Question 10

Explain the evaluation point ‘limited application (L)’ for the humanistic approach:

Answer 10

• Has had little application in psychology and the real world in comparison to other approaches.
• It is a comprehensive theory yet a loose abstract of ideas

counterpoint:

• Client centred therapy is an important variation of modern day psychotherapy.

Question 11

The humanistic approach supports holism rather than reductionism. What is holism?

Answer 11

The belief in investigating all aspects of a person, including the effects of interaction with others and wider society.

Question 12

Which approach supports soft determinism?

Answer 12

Humanistic

Question 13

What is determinism?

Answer 13

Belief that all behaviour has an internal or external cause and is thus predictable.