Humanistic approach

Question 1

Humanistic approach

assumptions

Answer 1

approach emphasising importance of subjective experience and each persons capability for self-determination

Question 2

Humanistic approach

parts

Answer 2

Self-actualisation - Maslow

Self, congruence, conditions of worth -Rodgers

Question 3

Humanistic approach

people

Answer 3

Maslow

Rodgers

Question 4

Self-actualisation

definition

Answer 4

-fulfilling one’s potential

Question 5

Maslows Hierarchy of needs

Answer 5

-motivation to achieve progression through the levels
  └self-actualisation (growth need)
  └self-esteem  (deficiency needs)
  └love and belongingness
  └safety and security
  └psychological needs

Question 6

Self, congruence, conditions of worth

Answer 6

└Rogers’ focus on the concept of self and self-acceptance

└Incongruence between self-concept and ideal self leading to negative feelings of self-worth

Question 7

Humanistic approach

strengths

Answer 7

Positive approach
└refreshing optimistic alternative
└sees people as good with potential they can work to achieve

Not reductionist
└Holism- consider whole person (in real life contexts)
└increase validity

Question 8

Humanistic approach

limitations

Answer 8

Limited application 
└Rodgers- counselling
└Maslow- motivation explanation 
└series of abstract concepts 
  └not a comprehensive theory so limited impact on psychology as a whole 

Untestable concepts 
└self-actualisation / congruence
  └useful in therapy
  └can’t asses under experimental conditions 
└no empirical evidence 

Cultural bias
└ideas such as individual freedom and personal growth
└associated with individualist cultures in western world (e.g. US)
└collectivist cultures (e.g. India) emphasise needs of the group and community
└less easily identify with values of humanistic psychology
└cant generalise across cultures