P2 Approaches 7. Humanistic Approach

Question 1

What does Maslow say is the hierarchy of needs?

Answer 1

He said that people must fulfil each level before moving up to the next one.
1. At the bottom the most basic needs (food, water).
2. Then come safety needs, which include shelter, resources and employment 3. Next is the need for love and belonging (family + friendships)
4. After that comes the need for esteem, which means self esteem and also being respected by other people
5. Finally, all these have been achieved, people can aim for self actualisation, which includes creativity, spirituality and acceptance of the world as it is.

Question 2

What are the two basic needs according to Rogers

Answer 2

1. The need for unconditional positive regard from other people
2. The need for self worth

Both of these come from good relationships with supportive parents and later with friends and parents.

Question 3

What is Roger’s idea of congruence?

Answer 3

The idea of congruence is when your self concept (the way you think you actually are) and your ideal self ( the way you would like to be) match up well - this is a healthy state to be in. Most people have some in congruence and use defence mechanisms to stop them feeling bad.

Question 4

How does the humanistic approach have an influence on counselling?

Answer 4

Counsellors often use Rogers ideas of unconditional positive regard and try to help the client work towards self actualisation. This means it is a useful theory with real world applications.

Question 5

What are strengths of the humanistic approach?

Answer 5

1. Maslow’s hierarchy applies more broadly to economic growth (Hagerty looked at the relationship between economic growth and measures of Maslow’s needs in 88 countries - countries in early stages of economic development were characterised by lower level needs
2. Research supports Rogers views that those who experience conditional positive regard are more likely to display false behaviour (develop depression)

Question 6

What are limitations of the humanistic approach?

Answer 6

1. Cultural differences exist (China find that a sense of belonging is more important important than physiological needs)
2. Humanistic research methods is difficult to evaluate (Rogers was an advocate of non experimental research methods. arguing that the requirements of experimental methods make it impossible to verify counselling)
3. This approach is unrealistic with an idealised view of human nature (people are not inherently goof and growth orientated as humanistic theories suggest - doesn’t recognise peoples negative, self destructive behaviour.