the Humanistic approach

free will, self-actualisation, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, focus on the self, congruence, the role of conditions worth, the influence on counselling psychology

evaluate the humanistic approach - research support for conditions of worth

advantage - research with adolescents has shown evidence consistent with Roger’s view. Individuals who experience conditional positive regard are more likely to do things to meet others expectations even when they clash with their own values. Teens who feel they have to fulfil certain conditions in order to gain their parents approval, frequently end up not liking themselves. Adolescents who create a false self were found to be more likely to develop depression and lose touch with their true self.

evaluate the humanistic approach - widely applicable

advantage - the humanistic approach can be applied to a wide range of topics. For example, this approach has been used to explain depression as a result of a lack of unconditional positive regard and incongruence between an individual’s ideal self and perceived self. This has led to the development of effective psychological therapies like client centered therapy (CCT) which can help the patient bridge the gap between their perceived self and ideal self to achieve congruence.

evaluate the humanistic approach - some concepts are untestable

disadvantage - some concepts like self actualisation are very vague and have little empirical evidence that can be used to identify them. Due to their vague nature, they are untestable concepts so it cannot be studied whether an individual has reached self actualisation or not. As the humanistic approach cannot be falsified the validity of the theory decreases.

evaluate the humanistic approach - culturally biased

disadvantage - maslow’s hierarchy of needs might not apply the same way to people of different cultures as they may have different priorities. for example, individuals may prioritise love over security so move differently towards personal growth. The humanistic approach perceives individual self actualisation and achievement as fulfilment whereas other cultures may favour group achievement as more fulfilling.

assumptions of the humanistic approach

For personal growth to be achieved, an individual’s perceived self must be equivalent/have congruence with their ideal self. If the gap bw ideal and perceived self is too big = incongruence occurs = self actualisation is not possible. Client centred therapy (CCT) can be used to close this gap. Issues like low self esteem in adulthood are due to a lack of unconditional positive regard from parents. An effective therapist must provide clients with the unconditional positive regard the patient failed to receive from parents.

free will

the ability to choose how to behave without being influenced by external forces, full conscious control over your own destiny

self-actualisation

Rogers used it as the drive to realise one’s full potential. Maslow used it to describe the final stage of his hierarchy of needs. Maslow found most of who obtained this level tended to be more creative, accepting of others, and had an accurate perception of the world.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

most basic physiological needs are at the bottom and most advanced needs at the top of the pyramid. each level must be fulfilled before a person can move up a level. The more basic a need the more difficult to ignore

focus on the self

how we perceive ourselves as a person. Rogers said 2 basic needs are positive regard from others and feelings of self worth (develop as result of interaction with parents in childhood). Greater congruence between self-concept and ideal self the greater our feelings of self worth.

congruence

similarity between a person’s ideal self and how they perceive themselves. if there is difference a state of incongruence is experienced. most people use defence mechanisms to feel less threatened by inconsistences between how they would like to be and how they really are

the role of conditions of worth

when people experience conditional positive regard (only accepted if they do what others want them to do) they develop conditions of worth. which are conditions they perceive were put upon them by significant others which they believe they have to meet to be seen positively. may only experience self-acceptance if meet the expectations of others.

the influence on counselling psychology

Rogers believed through therapist providing unconditional positive regard, regardless of the feelings/attitudes the client expresses. this can help dissolve a patient’s conditions of worth resulting in the client becoming more true to themselves