The Humanistic Approach (Approaches) Flashcards
Humanistic Approach
Humanists suggest a holistic approach rather than traditional reductionist methods to explaining behaviour
All possible influences on behaviour and its interactions considered
Freewill
Humanists argue external cues don’t determine our behaviour
We have a personal agency through freewill
The ability to shape our own lives through conscious decision making
Assumptions of the Humanistic approach
Every individual is unique
Freewill
People should be viewed holistically
Scientific method is not appropriate to measure behaviour
Self Actualisation
Highest level of psychological development
State of realising your full potential and performing at your best
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Foundational needs must be met before an individual can achieve self actualisation
Carl Roger’s theory of client centred therapy
Emphasises importance of the present over the future or past
Assists the client in achieving congruence by giving unconditional positive regard supporting them in resolving their own issues
Carl Rogers and Congruence
Congruence is essential for achieving self-actualisation
Congruence
The alignment between perceived self and ideal self
Possible by enhancing the perceived self or developing realistic ideal self
This is helped by reducing conditions of worth
Perceived self vs Ideal Self
Self image vs who you aspire to be
Condition of Worth
Expectations from others that must be met to earn their love or approval
Influence of counselling psychology
Focus on the positive aspects of the person
Positive Evaluation of Humanistic Approach
View that humans act with free will has face validity
Valid in that in considers meaningful human behaviour within a real life context
Negative Evaluations of Humanistic Approach
Qualitative methods lack empirical validity
Difficult to test self-actualisation and congruence
