psychology chapter 8a

Humanistic Perspective

people are naturally good and can grow into their best selves

Example: improving your life because YOU want to.

Actualizing Tendency

natural drive to grow and improve Example: choosing to get better at something on your own.

Self-Actualization

becoming the best version of yourself Example: a confident, honest person living their purpose.

Self-Concept

how you see yourself

Example: thinking “I’m smart” or “I’m stressed.”

Real Self

who you truly are without pressure Example: loving art even if your friends like sports.

Ideal Self

who you think you should be based on expectations

Example: feeling you must be perfect for parents.

Congruence

real self matches ideal self

Example: wanting to be confident and actually being confident.

Incongruence

real and ideal self don’t match

Example: wanting to be outgoing but being shy.

Unconditional Positive Regard

being loved with no conditions

Example: parents loving you even if you fail a test.

Conditions of Worth

messages saying you must meet conditions to be valued

Example: “you’re only good if you get A’s.”

Metamotivation

motivation to grow beyond basic needs Example: wanting creativity or purpose once you feel safe.

Peak Experience

total focus “in the zone” moment

Example: hooping and losing track of time.

Self-Actualizer Traits

traits of someone fully developed Example: honesty, awareness, confidence.

Social Cognitive Perspective

personality comes from thoughts, behavior, and environment interacting

Example: seeing someone succeed makes you try harder.

Self-Efficacy

belief you can succeed

Example: “I can pass this exam if I study.”

Reciprocal Determinism

behavior, environment, and thoughts all influence each other

Example: liking the gym → going → making friends → going more.

Albert Bandura

psychologist who created social cognitive theory

Example: Bobo doll experiment showing kids copy behavior.