Personality - 8 Flashcards
How did the humanistic theory emerge and what are its main focuses
Emerges as a backlash against other theories
Focus on human qualities: a positive image of what it means to be human - believe human nature is good
What does the humanistic theory believe about personality
Personality is the positive drive towards self fulfilment
Perfecting our skills
Find peace and hapiness
What are the 4 main principles of the humanistic theory
Freedom
Choice personal growth
Peace
Where do the roots of the humanistic theory lie ?
Lie in existentialism
Personal responsibilities and free will - can make our own choices about behaviour - not determined
Importance on here and now
Personal growth and fulfilment
Understand ourselves by focusing on conscious experiences
Value of phenomenology
What was maslows theory of personality based on
Based on the theory of motivation to meet our needs
Suggested we have more needs then what freud suggested
What did Maslow do to come up with the principles of self-actualisation
Examined Beethoven, William James, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln and the top 1% of student population to see what they all had in common
They all showed : creativity, high achievement, and making full use of potential
They are all Self actualised
What is self - actualisation
An innate drive towards growth and to develope all of ones talents and capacities
Understanding ones own potential accepting oneself and others as unique individuals
Motivates all of human behaviour and results in the full realisation of a persons highest potential
What leads to self actualisation
We are motivated by hierarchy of needs
Describe the 7 tier pyramid of the hierarchy of needs , lowest needs first
Physiological needs Safety needs Love and belongingness Esteem needs Cognitive needs Aesthetic needs Self actualisation
How does this heirachy of needs explain personality
Once basic needs are met we are motivated to the next needs, therefore influences our personality and behaviour
When gratified we move on
If not gratified unable to grow
Lower needs must be met before we can grow
What is self actualisation an ongoing process of
Growth and development of ones personals potential rather than reaching an end point
Only a few people reach it
What did Maslow famously say about a man
What a man can be, he must be
What are the factors that have to be met if you are self actualised
Can you accept uncertainty
Can you accept yourself and others even if different
Do you follow your own impulses
Do you have a purpose in life
Do you enjoy your own company
Can you maintain an inner serenity in unpleasant circumstances and when dealing with social pressures
Do you have a continued freshness of appreciation rather than taking things for granted
Have you had occurrences of peak experiences and intense joy from basic experiences
Do you establish deep satisfying relationships
Are you affectionate with other people
Are you strongly ethical in behaviour and attitudes
Do you have a good sense of humour
Are you humble
Are you resistant to enculturation although not purposely unconventional
Describe a self actualised person
Tuned into reality At peace with themselves Sensitive to others needs Enjoying rewarding relations Not dependant upon others for approval Not uncomfortable with solitude Thriving on work More likely to report peak experiences Have a mission in life
How can you promote self actualisation
I
Be willing to change Take responsibility Examine motives Be honest admit faults Make use of positive experiences Be prepared to be different Have a mission Assess your progress
