The Humanistic Approach

what is the key assumption

behaviour is the result of an individual subjective experience. Determined by the individuals capacity for self actualization

what does the humanistic approach say about free will?

• humans have free will and therefore ultimate control over their behaviour and life

• no influence of internal or external forces

• so there is a rejection of science and objectivity

• the focus on subjective experience

what did Maslow state?

all humans have an innate desire to self actualise but in order to do so they must meet all other needs on the hierarchy

describe Maslow's hierarchy of needs

• Physiological needs (sleep and water)

• Safety needs (shelter)

• Love and belonging needs (family)

• Esteem needs (self-esteem)

• Self actualisation

What type of needs is self actualisation and the others?

Self actualisation is a growth need, therefore motivation increases as needs are met

however, the other needs are deficiency needs, so motivation decreases as needs are met

what does the humanistic approach say about about self actualisation?

• SA concerns psychological growth, fulfilment, and satisfaction in life

• Personal growth and fulfilment are required as a basic human motive

• each person, in different ways strives to continuously enhance themselves

how does personal growth happen?

The concepts of self must have congruence with our ideal self and perceived self.

What is congruence?

similarities between ideal self and perceived self

what is your perceived and ideal self?

Perceived self - how we currently view ourselves

Ideal self - who we want to be

what happens if there is a gap?

Incongruence and self actualisation will not occur

what is incongruence?

When our ideal self and perceived itself are too different from each other

how was this tackled by a therapist?

to close the gap Rogers developed client centre therapy using hierarchy of needs

CCT provides unconditional positive regard for the client

what are conditions of worth?

These are limits that parents place on their love of their children. They are conditional meaning if their child fails to meet these conditions of life that parent will withdraw their love.