The humanistic approach

Question 1

humanistic psychology

Answer 1

an approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self determination

Question 2

free will

Answer 2

the notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by internal biological or external forces

Question 3

self actualisation

Answer 3

the desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s full potential - becoming what you are capable of

Question 4

congruence

Answer 4

the aim of rogerian therapy, when the self-concept and ideal self are balanced

Question 5

conditions of worth

Answer 5

when a parent places limits or boundaries on their love for their child.

Question 6

Strengthso humanistic approach

Answer 6

It rejects attempts to break down behaviour and experience into smaller pieces (reductionism)
- advocate holism

It is optimistic, refreshing compared to other approaches

Question 7

limitations of humanistic approach

Answer 7

Short on empirical evidence
- Reductionist approach may be more scientific

Culturally biassed
- Better for countries with individualistic tendencies ie UK
- Countries with collective tendencies will not agree with the approach
- Does not apply universally

relatively small impact on psychology with little practical application
- Not a comprehensive theory
- Loose set of abstract ideas

Question 8

Modern day applications of humanistic

Answer 8

• within business
• education
• counselling

Question 9

What did ROGERS believe?

Answer 9

an individual’s concept of themselves must have congruence with their ideal self to achieve personal growth

Question 10

What did ROGERS invent and discover?

Answer 10

To reduce the gap he invented client centred therapy (counselling) for people to cope with everyday life

Low self esteem can be caused by a lack of unconditional positive regard or love

Question 11

MASLOW’S hierarchy of needs

Answer 11

The hierarchy of needs is a five levelled sequence in which deficiency needs (physiological, safety/security, love, self esteem) must be satisfied before growth needs (self actualisation) can be achieved.

• Maslow was interested in what motivates people
• Characterised life as a ‘series of peak experiences’
• Researched a number of self actualizers