The Humanistic Approach (Paper 2)

Question 1

Why do humanists reject the scientific method

Answer 1

Humanists argue that human behaviour is complex, so unsuitable for study through traditional scientific methods, which seek to identify and test simple cause-and-effect relationships objectively.

Question 2

What do humanists believe our behaviour is caused by

Answer 2

Humanists argue that external causes do not set our behaviours. Instead, we have Free will, this is acting with personal agency, the ability of individuals to shape their own lives through conscious decision-making.

Question 3

What does the humanistic approach criticise other approaches for

Answer 3

their reductionist explanations

Question 4

How do humanists explain our behaviour

Answer 4

Instead of attributing behaviour solely to genetics (as biological psychologists might), learned responses (behaviourists), observed rewards (social learning theorists), cognitive priming (cognitive psychologists), or unconscious drives (psychodynamic theory), humanists instead suggest a holistic approach, considering all these factors and their interactions.

Question 5

What do humanists use to support their theories

Answer 5

Case studies involving detailed research into single individuals or specific events

Question 6

Why do humanists use case studies instead of experimental methods

Answer 6

Case studies match the humanistic goal of capturing the richness and depth of human experience rather than reducing it to variables that can be easily manipulated or measured in an experimental setting.

Question 7

In what way do humanists focus on mental health

Answer 7

By exploring personal growth, self-understanding, andself-actualisation, humans achieving their highest potential and performing at their best.

Question 8

What is the pyramid to represent a persons path to their full potential called

Answer 8

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs

Question 9

What did Maslow believe about reaching your full potential

Answer 9

Maslow argued that certain foundational needs must be met before an individual can achieve self-actualisation. The hierarchy starts with the most basic needs and progresses to higher levels.

Question 10

What are our physiological needs

Answer 10

These are the basic necessities for human survival, such as food, water, warmth, and rest.

Question 11

What are our safety needs

Answer 11

these include personal and financial security, health, and well-being.

Question 12

What are our love and belongingness needs

Answer 12

social needs include the desire for intimate relationships, friends, and social connections.

Question 13

What are our esteem needs

Answer 13

Both self-esteem and esteem from others, including feelings of accomplishment and recognition.

Question 14

What is self-actualisation

Answer 14

The highest level of psychological development, it is the process of realising your full potential. The individual deeply understands themselves, their values, and their purpose in life.

Question 15

What order does Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs go in

Answer 15

Physiological needs, Safety needs, Love and Belongingness needs, esteem needs and self-actualisation

Question 16

What did Carl Rogers argue

Answer 16

Congruenceis essential for achieving self-actualisation.

Question 17

What does congruence refer to

Answer 17

The alignment between one’s perceived self (self-image) and ideal self (the person one aspires to be).

Question 18

What happens when there is a significant gap between the perceived and ideal selves

Answer 18

The person experiencesincongruenceand cannot achieve self-actualisation.

Question 19

What did rogers believe about reducing the gap between the perceived and ideal self

Answer 19

Reducing this gap and increasing congruence is crucial for personal development and well-being.

Question 20

Give two ways of becoming congruent

Answer 20

Adopting a more realistic ideal self and enhancing self - concept / perceived self

Question 21

What are peoples ideal selves often shaped by

Answer 21

Conditions of worth, which are expectations from others that one must meet to earn their love or approval

Question 22

What can conditions of worth lead to

Answer 22

An ideal self that is unattainably perfect or not truly reflective of someone’s genuine desires and values.

Question 23

What can people do by recognising and modifying their unrealistic standards

Answer 23

They can set more attainable goals that are in harmony with their true selves.

Question 24

What is improving self - concept / perceived self helped by

Answer 24

Receiving unconditional positive regard from others, acceptance and love without conditions or expectations

Question 25

What are individuals more likely to do when reaching unconditional positive regard

Answer 25

To develop a positive and realistic self - image, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses without undue self-criticism

Question 26

who developed client/person - centred therapy

Answer 26

Carl Rogers

Question 27

What does client/person centred therapy emphasise the importance of

Answer 27

The present and the future over the past and aims to assist clients in achieving congruence between their perceived and ideal selves.

Question 28

What role does the therapist in client - centred therapy take

Answer 28

The therapist does not assume the role of an expert who directs the client; instead, the approach is founded on the belief that clients are the best experts on their own lives and experiences.
The therapist’s role is to offer support, facilitating the client’s journey toward self-discovery and resolution of their issues.

Question 29

What will the therapist give to the client that the client may not receive elsewhere

Answer 29

Unconditional positive regard