The humanistic approach

Question 1

What is the free will assumption

Answer 1

Free will determines our behaviour
we are affected by external and internal events
we are active agents with the ability to determines our future
we are individuals so shouldn’t generalise

Question 2

What is the hierarchy of needs assumption

Answer 2

Desire to self-actualise and grow is essential for humans
Everyone wants to be the best version of themselves
You cannot self-actualise until more basic needs are satisfied
described by Maslovs theory
-selfactualisation
-esteem
-love+belonging
-safety
-Physiological

Question 3

What is the peak experience assumption

Answer 3

If you get to the top of the hierarchy of needs you experience peak experiences

Question 4

What is the congruence assumption

Answer 4

Rogers believed that in order for personal growth to happen and for an individual to be satisfied with their life they must achieve congruence between their ideal and actual self.

Question 5

Person centerd therapy assumption

Answer 5

Client and person therapy for growth
belief that many problems relate to low self-esteem and self-worth and that these may well relate back to childhood and lack of love.

Question 6

Strengths of the humanistic approach

Answer 6

+addresses meaning- focuses on the unique human experiences and motivations which are difficult to define in a scientific way. These experiences and emotions are most important to us but hard to address using scientific methology. This approach explains things science can’t.
+practical applications of counselling- client led therapy is successful
+It is a positive approach with optimistic views giving hope

Question 7

Weaknesses of the humanistic approach

Answer 7

• unscientific and concepts cannot be measures- we cannot tell if someone has actually self-actualised.
• accused of cultural biases. research is western so cant be generalised