The Humanistic Approach

Question 1

4 key assumptions of the humanistic approach

Answer 1

• Humans have full conscious control over their own destiny and they have free will
• All individuals strive towards self-actualisation
• Self-actualisation can only occur if we see ourselves as being loved and accepted unconditionally
• To be psychologically healthy, a person’s ideal self and real self must be congruent

Question 2

Self

Answer 2

The ideas and values that characterise “I” and “me”
Includes perception and valuing of “what I am” and “what I can do”

Question 3

Congruence

Answer 3

The aim of Rogerian therapy, when the self-concept and ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match.

Question 4

Free will

Answer 4

The notion that humans make choices and are not determined by internal biological or external forces.

Question 5

Self-actualisation

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Conditions of worth

Answer 6

When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children. E.g. saying “I will only love you if you study medicine”

Question 7

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 7

A five-levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic physiological needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs can be achieved.

Question 8

The levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 8

Self-actualisation
Esteem
Love/belonging
Safety
Physiological needs

Question 9

Q sort (Rogers)

Answer 9

Used to find out whether there is congruence or incongruence between a person’s perceived self and their ideal self.

Question 10

Strengths of the humanistic approach

Answer 10

• It takes a positive view of humans meaning it is a more optimistic approach
• It is holistic (considers the whole person) and not reductionist which means it considers behaviour in a real world context making it a valid approach

Question 11

Limitations of the humanistic approach

Answer 11

• It’s unscientific as there are few concepts that can be broken down to single variables and measured. This means there is a lack of evidence
• The approach is culturally biased as it focuses on the individual so relates to western individualist cultures not collectivist cultures.

Question 12

Criticism of Maslow’s theory

Answer 12

It has subjective nature and doesn’t account for phenomena that happen in the real world.