humanistic psychology Flashcards
define free will
the notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external forces
Self-actualisation
represents the uppermost level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. All four lower levels of the hierarchy must be met before the individual can work towards self-actualisation the desire to grow psychologically and fulfil their potential.
Self
the ideas and values that characterise ‘I’ and ‘me’ includes perception an valuing of ‘what I am’ and ‘what I can do’
Congruence
The aim of Rogerian therapy; when the self-concept and ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match.
Conditions of worth
when a parent places limits of boundaries on their love for their children
What did Roger argue for personal growth to be achieved?
An individuals concept of self must be broadly equivalent to, or have congruence with their ideal self. If too big a gap exists the person will experience a state of incongruence and self-actualisation will not be possible due to the negative feelings of self worth that arise from incongruence.
Aim and process of client-centred therapy
In order to reduce the gap between the self-concept and the ideal self, Rogers developed client-centred therapy to help people cope with the problems of everyday living. Rogers claimed that many of the issues we experience as adults such as worthlessness and low self-esteem root from childhood and can often be explained by a lack of unconditional positive regard from our parents. A parent who sets boundaries or limits on their love for their child (conditions of worth) by claiming ‘i will only love you if…’ is storing up psychological problems for that child in the future. Thus, Rogers saw one of his roles as an effective therapist as being able to provide his clients with unconditional positive regard that they failed to receive as children.
The influence on counselling psychology
Rogers work transformed psychotherapy and introduced a variety of counselling techniques. In the UK and the US, similar counselling techniques are practised, not only in clinical settings but throughout health care, education, social work and industry. Client-centred therapy has been praised as a forward-looking approach that focuses on present problems rather than dwelling on the past. However, it’s best applied to the treatment of ‘mild’ psychological conditions such as, anxiety and low self-worth.
