Humanistic Approach

What are the assumptions?

Argues against determinist (behaviour is shaped by forces we cant control) approaches like cognitive and behavioural.

Believes psychology should be subjective and unique to everyone (person-centred)

Free will

Claims humans are self-determining and can determine their own development.

What is Maslows hierarchy of needs?

Hierarchy of needs to show what motivates our behaviour, to achieve our goal of self actualisaton, all deficiency needs need to be met.

What is self-actualisation?

Personal growth/developing and changing as a person to become more fulfilled and satisfied.

What is the order of Maslows hierarchy of needs?

From top to bottom:

1) Self-actualisation

2) Self-esteem

3) Love and belongingness

4) Safety and security

5) Physiological needs

Congruence and conditions of worth

Personal growth depends on the congruence between an individuals current/actual self and their ideal self.

If there is less in common between the two there is incongruence, self actualisation is not possible.

Low self-esteem is rooted in conditional love from parents in childhood.

What is client-centered therapy?

Reduces gap between current and ideal self to produce state of congruence.

Provides clients with unconditional positive regard that they failed to receive as children.

What are the strengths of the humanistic approach?

Strength: Not reductionist (holistic), looks at the whole person, more validity than other approaches because it considers human behaviour in its real world context.

However, it is not scientific and does not have much empirical evidence.

Strength: Optimistic, sees people as working towards their potential (psycho-dynamic sees us as prisoners).

What are the weaknesses of the humanistic approach?

Weakness: Culturally biased, more associated with countries that have individualistic tendencies and cant be universally applicable (only explains one culture).