Humanistic Approach

What is the central assumption of humanistic psychology regarding free will?

It emphasizes free will and self-determination, arguing that people are active agents who can determine their own development, unlike deterministic approaches.

What is self-actualisation?

The innate desire to grow psychologically and fulfill one's full potential, becoming what you are capable of. It is the highest level of Maslow's hierarchy.

What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

A five-level sequence where lower-level "deficiency" needs (physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem) must be met before a person can achieve self-actualisation.

According to Rogers, what is needed for personal growth?

Congruence - a match between a person's self-concept and their ideal self. A large gap leads to incongruence and low self-worth.

What is a strength of the humanistic approach's holistic viewpoint?

It rejects reductionism, advocating holism. It argues that subjective experience can only be understood by considering the whole person in their real-world context, which increases validity.

How is the humanistic approach optimistic?

It offers a positive view of human nature, seeing people as inherently good, in control of their lives, and able to achieve their potential, unlike Freud's more pessimistic view.

What is a key limitation regarding the scientific status of humanistic psychology?

It has limited empirical evidence to support its claims. Its concepts are abstract and not easily broken down into testable variables, making it less scientific.

How might the humanistic approach be culturally biased?

Its concepts (e.g., individual freedom, self-actualisation) are more associated with individualistic cultures (e.g., the US) and may not apply to collectivist cultures that emphasize group needs.

What is a counterpoint regarding the approach's real-world application?

While critics say it has limited application, Rogerian therapy revolutionized counselling, and Maslow's hierarchy is widely used to explain motivation, especially in the workplace.