Humanistic psychology

Question 1

What do humanistic psychologists say about free will?

Answer 1

All human beings are self-determining and have free will

person-centred approach

Question 2

What do humanistic pyschologists believe about the study of psychology?

Answer 2

it should concern itself with the study of subjective experiences, rather than general, scientific laws/theories

Question 3

What does Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggest?

Answer 3

In order to achieve our primary goal (self -actualisation) a number of other deficiency needs must first be met

Question 4

How many stages are on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Answer 4

5

Question 5

Describe each 5 stages of the hierarchy

Answer 5

1. Self-actualisation- meeting full potential in life
2. Self-esteem- status, admiration, respect
3. Love and belongingness- friendship, intimacy, family
4. Safety and security- health, employment, property
5. Physiological needs- food, water, shelter, clothing

Question 6

What does Maslow suggest about self-actualisation?

Answer 6

most people have an innate desire to achieve their full potentional

Question 7

How can individuals achive self-actualisation?

Answer 7

Once all 4 lower levels of the hierarchy (the deficiency needs) are met

Question 8

In early development, what aspect of the hierarchy are infants focused on?

Answer 8

Physiological needs
food, water etc.

Question 9

What do Humanistic psychologists say about personal growth?

Answer 9

It is essential in developing and changing as a person to become fulfilled, satisfied and goal orientated

Question 10

What did Rogers say about personal growth?

Answer 10

For personal growth to be achieved, an individual’s concept of self must be broadly equivalent, or have congruence with their ideal self

Question 11

When woudl incongruence occur?

Answer 11

If too big a gap exists between the two selves

Self-actualisation will not be possible due to negative feelings of self worth

Question 12

What is the difference between being in a state of congruence and incongruence?

Answer 12

Congruence= overlap 2 selves
Incongruence= big gap between 2 selves

Question 13

Whis meant by the term conditions of self worth?

Answer 13

Boundaries/limits on love
e.g “I will only love you if…”

Question 14

What would lead an individual to experience conditions of their worth?

Answer 14

a lack of unconditional positive regard (unconditional love) in childhood

Question 15

What happens if an individual continually experiences conditions of their worth?

Answer 15

They believe there are conditions on their worth
e.g “I am only loveable if…”

Question 16

What does client-centred therapy (counselling) involve?

Answer 16

Therapist gives client unconditional positive regard= increase feelings of worth and self esteem
- reduces the gap between perceived and ideal self

Question 17

Criticims of the humanistic approach

Answer 17

Culturally biased
Ideas such as personal growth are more readily associated with individualistic cultures e.g US
This therefore does not apply universally

Question 18

Application of this approach

Answer 18

Has lead to person-centred therapies to help people overcome childhood conditions of worth and work towards personal growth

Therefore moral and economic benefits

Question 19

Is this approach reductionistic or hollistic?

Answer 19

Hollistic- accounts for the complexity of human experience