humanistic approach

what is the humanistic approach

pioneered by maslow, response to the behaviourist approach by arguing psychology must focus on what make us human

what is holism in the context of the humanistic approach?

It looks at the person as a whole, rather than breaking behavior down into smaller components (like genes or stimulus-responses).

How does the humanistic approach differ from other approaches

• other approaches suggest behavior is caused by external or internal forces beyond our control (deterministic).

• views humans as "active agents" who have the free will to determine their own development and destiny.

what are the assumptions of the humanistic approach

• free will

• cant simplify everything to stimulus and response

• everyone is unique

Maslow and Rogers views

• pioneered a "person-centered" approach

• argued that individual/ subjective experiences are far more important than universal laws because every person is unique

discuss maslow’s hierarchy of needs

proposed that human motivation is driven by a hierarchy of needs. To reach our highest potential, we must satisfy basic physiological and psychological needs from the bottom up.

rules of the maslows hierarchy

• The first four levels are known as deficiency needs (arise due to deprivation; satisfying them prevents negative consequences).

• Self-actualization is a growth need (stems from a desire to grow as a person).

• a person cannot effectively focus on higher level needs until the lower level needs are met.

evaluate maslows hierarchy

• deterministic - if your environment prevents you from getting food or safety, Maslow's theory suggests you are determined to be unable to achieve self-actualization, which complicates the humanistic argument for absolute free will.

What is the contradiction regarding "free will" within humanistic theory (internal validity issue)?

While it claims we have total free will, theories like Maslow’s hierarchy and Rogers’ conditions of worth imply that our behavior is actually restricted or determined by certain requirements and parental expectations.

According to Rogers theory, explain the difference between the Self-Concept and the Ideal Self.

Self-Concept: Beliefs about who you are right now (how you perceive yourself and how you think others see you).

Ideal Self: The person you wish to be if you achieved self-actualization.

According to Rogers, what is "congruence" and how does it affect self-esteem?

Congruence is the measure of similarity between the self-concept and the ideal self.

• High congruence = High self-esteem and high self-efficacy.

• Low congruence = Low self-esteem and low self-efficacy.

Whatt did roger say are "conditions of worth"?

The expectations and standards set by others (often parents) that a person feels they must meet to gain approval and love.

What three elements must a therapist provide in Client-Centered Therapy according to rogers?

1. Genuineness

2. Empathy

3. Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) (providing love and acceptance without any strings attached).

evidence that unconditional positive regard is important

HARTER ET AL

• found adolescents were more likely to develop a "false self" (acting like someone they aren't to please parents)

• also more prone to developing depression when experiencing conditional positive regard

evidence for the effectiveness of therapy

• A 2019 APA project discovered that the bond and UPR therapy provided led to more patient improvement than the specific therapy technique used.

• This provides high ecological and construct validity.

What are the practical and economic benefits of humanistic therapies?

• highly applicable as preventative measures (e.g., school counseling, mindfulness).

• contribute to saving healthcare money by promoting positive psychology and preventing severe mental health crises.

criticisms of humanistic research methods?

• rely on subjective self-reports and correlations, meaning they are unscientific and not falsifiable

• contradictory - claims we have total free will but theories like Maslow’s hierarchy and Rogers’ conditions of worth imply our behavior is restricted or determined by certain requirements and parental expectations.