The Humanistic Approach

Question 1

What is Humanistic Psychology?

Answer 1

Focuses on conscious experience and personal responsibility.

Emphasizes free will and individual fulfilment.

Developed by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

Question 2

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 2

Self-Actualisation
Esteem
Love
Safety
Foundational

Question 3

Congruence

Answer 3

When there is alignment between a person’s ideal self and actual experiences.

Incongruence between self-image and experience can lead to dissatisfaction.

Question 4

Conditions of Worth

Answer 4

Rogers says that individuals often receive conditional acceptance, making them change or adopt behaviours to gain approval. This is usually negative for their mental health and many times results in mental issues.

Unconditioned positive regard is necessary for growth.

Question 5

Influences on Counselling Psychology

Answer 5

Roger’s ideas influenced and encouraged an environment of unconditional positive regard in counselling practices, allowing individuals to self-explore without fear of judgment.

Question 6

Criticisms of the Humanistic Approach

Answer 6

Difficult to evaluate due to lack of empirical methods.

Unrealistic and idealised view of human nature as not everyone may achieve self-actualisation.