Humanistic psychology Flashcards
When and where did humanistic psychology emerge?
Humanistic psychology emerged in the United States in the 1950s.
Name the two psychologists who are most closely associated with the humanistic approach.
Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow
Why is the humanistic approach also referred to as the ‘third force’ in psychology?
Because the humanistic approach operates alongside the behaviourist approach and the psychodynamic approach by presenting a challenge to both.
Explain how Roger’s work differed from that of Freud.
Rogers felt that Freud had dealt with the ‘sick half’ of psychology, so the humanistic approach concerned itself with explanations of ‘healthy’ growth in individuals.
What is humanistic psychology?
An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self-determination.
In detail, explain how humanistic psychology differs from each of the other approaches.
Apart from humanistic psychology, all of the other approaches are deterministic to some degree in their suggestion that our behaviour is entirely, or at least partly, shaped by forces over which we have no control. Even the cognitive approach, which claims we are free to choose our own thoughts, would argue that such choice is contained by the limits of our cognitive system.
Humanistic psychology is quite different in this respect, claiming that human beings are essentially self-determining and have free will. This does not mean that people are not affected by external or internal influences but we are active agents who have the ability to determine our own development.
Why do humanistic psychologists, such as Rogers and Maslow, reject scientific models that attempt to establish general principles of human behaviour?
Humanistic psychologists reject scientific models that attempt to establish general principles of human behaviour because as active agents we are all unique, and psychology should concern itself with the study of subjective experience rather than general laws. This is often referred to as a ‘person-centred approach’.
Which psychologist produced the ‘hierarchy of needs’?
Abraham Maslow produced the hierarchy of needs
What was Maslow’s main interest when conducting his hierarchy of needs?
Maslow was interested in finding out what motivates people.
How many levels are found in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Five levels are found in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
- Self-actualisation
- Self-esteem
- Love and belongingness
- Safety and security
- Physiological needs
What represents the uppermost level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Self-actualisation represents the uppermost level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
What is self-actualisation?
Self-actualisation refers to the desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s potential (become what you are capable of).
How does one achieve self-actualisation?
All four lower levels of the hierarchy (‘deficiency needs’) must be met before the individual can work towards self-actualisation (a growth need) and fulfil their full potential. Humanistic psychologists regard personal growth as an essential part of what it is to be human. Personal growth is concerned with developing and changing as a person to become fulfilled, satisfied and goal-orientated.
What are the ‘deficiency needs’ of Maslow’s hierarchy?
The four lower levels of Maslow’s hierarchy are collectively known as the ‘deficiency needs’.
What is the growth need in Maslow’s hierarchy?
Self-actualisation acts as the growth need in Maslow’s hierarchy.
