Humanistic Approach

Question 1

What are the four core assumptions of this approach?

Answer 1

Every individual is unique
We have free will (ability to make choices)
People should be viewed holistically (as a whole)
Scientific method is not appropriate to measure behaviour

Question 2

What was Maslow’s hierarchy or needs?

Answer 2

To reach self actualisation at the top you must fulfill the needs if the lower levels of the hierarchy before reaching full potential

Question 3

What are the stages from bottom to top of the hierarchy of needs

Answer 3

Self actualisation (top)
Esteem
Love and belonging
Safety needs
Physiological needs (bottom)

Question 4

What was Carl Roger’s theory for reaching self actualisation?

Answer 4

A person must have congruence (their ideal self and self concept are the same)

Question 5

What does Rogers say helps reach congruence?

Answer 5

Unconditional positive regard when there are no requirements that the individual must meet to be loved
The opposite of conditions of worth

Question 6

What are some of the strengths of the approach?

Answer 6

It focuses on the whole person instead of focusing on a single aspect like Freud and childhood which doesn’t account for other extraneous variables - more validity
It says humans are all unique and should be seen as that because within group differences are greater than group differences (difference within a group of men is more than the difference between man and woman)

Question 7

What are the limitations of the humanist approach?

Answer 7

Cultural bias. Many of the ideas can’t be applied to other cultures except western cultures which limits its contribution to the explanation of all behaviour
Rogerian therapy can’t treat conditions like schizophrenia because the client can’t choose to solve the issue as they aren’t rational and in control
It included a number of vague ideas which are hard to measure such as ‘self-actualisation’ and ‘congruence’ so it is difficult to see the influence on behaviour