the humanistic approach Flashcards
define the humanistic approach AO1
an approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experiences and a persons capacity for self determinism
what is free will? (humanistic approach) AO1
the notion that humans make decisions and their behaviour/thoughts aren’t determined by biological or external forces
what 2 approaches does the humanistic approach differ to? AO1
-biological approach assist only focused on internal biological processes
-behaviourist approach as this only considers the idea that humans are conditioned into acting the way they do
what does the humanistic approach claim about human behaviour? AO1
human beings are self determining and have free will. People are still affected by internal and external forces but are also active when determining their own development
name 2 humanistic psychologists AO1
Maslow and Rogers
why is the humanistic approach referred to as a person-centred approach? AO1
because it tales into account that humans are all unique and psychology itself should concern itself with the study of subjective experience rather than general laws
explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs AO1
the hierarchy of needs motivate our behaviour. In order to achieve the goal of self-actualisation, a number of other needs have to be met first. At the very bottom are physiological needs such as food and water and as you move up, the next need is safety and security followed by love. Then its self-esteem which the develops into self actualisation. A person can only progress up the hierarchy if the current need in the sequence is met.
explain self actualisation in the humanistic approach AO1
self actualisation is the uppermost level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. in order for it to be reached, the lower levels must first be met. This build up to self actualisation begins from early development when a baby is first focused on physiological needs and applies throughout life. You have reached your full potential
describe self, congruence and the conditions of worth in the humanistic approach AO1
Rogers argued that to achieve personal growth, a persons concept of self must have congruence with their ideal self. if the gap between the 2 is too big, the person will be in a state of incongruence and therefore experience low self worth. To reduce this gap, Rogers introduced client centred therapy (counselling) which helps to overcome these feelings. Clients who didn’t experience unconditional positive regard and a child will often experience this low self esteem as an adult. this means an effective therapist must provide this empathy and unconditional love.
who was Maslow? what was he interested in? AO1
one of the founders of humanistic psychology, he was interested in what motivates people
define self actualisation (humanistic approach) AO1
the desire to grow psychologically and fulfil ones potential (becoming what you are capable of)
explain personal growth AO1
personal growth is an essential part of what it is to be human. It is concerned with developing and changing as a person to become fulfilled and goal-orientated
explain one strength of the humanistic approach (reductionism) AO3
one strength is that the approach isn’t reductionist compared to other approaches. This means it rejects the idea of breaking up behaviour into smaller more specific parts. For example, the biological approach solely focuses on genetics and internal processes. As a result of this, the HA is more holistic, which means it is based off of subjective information and experiences. This is a strength because the humanistic approach has a higher validity than its alternatives since it is based on real life context
explain one strength of the humanistic approach (positivity) AO3
the approach is positive and optimistic. This is because it brings the person back into psychology and creates a positive image of humans. As a result of this, humanistic psychologists have been praised for their research. Freud suggested that humans are prisoners of their past whereas this approach sees all people as good, in control of their life and can therefore reach their full potential. This is a strength because the HA has a refreshing view compared to other approaches.
explain one limitation of the humanistic approach (bias) AO3
A limitation is that the approach may be culturally biased. Many ideas central to the approach can only be associated with countries with more individualist tendencies, such as individual freedom, autonomy and personal growth. This means countries with collective tendencies such as interdependence wont acknowledge humanistic ideas and their importance. This is a weakness because to shows that the approach wont be universally applied and is a product of cultural context
