Unit 9: Humanistic psychology

Question 1

What major components can humanistic psychology be divided into?

Answer 1

Mind (intellect)
Body(Biology)
Spirit (emotions)

Question 2

What is Humanistic psychology also known as?

Answer 2

Third-force psychology

Question 3

How did humanistic psychologists criticise behaviourism and psychoanalysis and what did that lead to?

Answer 3

Behaviourism: nothing unique about humans, like robots, techniques for natural sciences
Psychoanalysis: only focused on disturbed individuals
=> need for Psychology that helps healthy people become healthier

Question 4

Characteristics of humanistic psychology

Answer 4

Assumes that humans are free to choose own existence
subjective reality: most important cause for behaviour
dont practice science in traditional way
focus on what makes humans different from animals
individualism
sees person as symbolic entity reflecting on existence

Question 5

What is the goal of humanistic psychology?

Answer 5

Complete description of what it means to be human
e.g. language, values, emotions, seeking meaning

Question 6

Antecedents to humanistic psychology

Answer 6

Phenomenology
Romanticism
Existential psychology

Question 7

Phenomenology

Answer 7

any methodology that focuses on experiences as they occur
-> without reducing it into components

Question 8

Characteristics of romanticism

Answer 8

appreciating beauty of nature
general exaltation of emotion over reason
relying on self
examination of personality

Question 9

Existentialism

Answer 9

focus on feeling, choice and individuality
Socrates, Augustine, Nietzsche and Dostoevsky

Question 10

Frankl

Answer 10

Man’s search for meaning
Logotherapy

Question 11

Who introduced existentialism to US psychology?

Answer 11

Rollo may

Question 12

Human dilemma

Answer 12

humans object and subject of experience
paradox of human existence

Question 13

Which concepts did Rollo may introduce?

Answer 13

Narrative therapy: examines people’s stories to understand life
Self-alienation: occurs when people accept societal values over their own
-> results in apathy and despair

Question 14

What did maslow say about human needs?

Answer 14

Arranged in hierarchy:
the lower the needs, the more basic
-> more similar to needs of animals
the higher: the more distinctly human
as lower needs are satisfied, gigher needs can be taken care of

Question 15

Self-actualisation

Answer 15

reaching full human potential
Accepting and expressing intrinsic nature
-> synergy within person

Question 16

Roger’s theory of personality

Answer 16

client-centered
Actualizing tendency: people fulfilling lives reach potential
Organism valuing process: work towards actualizing tendency
-> person motivated by true feelings
-> authentic life

Question 17

Which conditions must be met for a climate to be growth promoting?

Answer 17

Genuineness: congruence
Unconditional positive regard: people loved and respected for what they truly are
Empathic understanding: sensitive, active listening