Humanistic Theory (U10 Mod 57)

Humanistic Psychology

• Focus on healthy people and how they become happy

  • Studied happy successful people

  • “Hippie Humanists”

  • Mrs. Jurgensmeyer’s favorite theory

Self-Actualization

• Abraham Maslow

• Fulfilling our potential

• Hierarchy of Needs → Self-actualization

Carl Rogers

• People need acceptance and to foster empathy to heal psychological problems

• Person-centered approach

  • “Mr. Rogers”

Unconditional Positive Regard

• Accepting others despite their feelings

  • aka Love

• People need this to cure themselves

Self Concept

• Thoughts and feelings about yourself

  • “Who am I?”

• Real Self: Actual characteristics

• Ideal Self: Who you want to be

  • When the real self and the ideal self don’t align that’s when problems form

Criticisms of Humanistic Theory

• Lacks scientific basic

• Vague concepts

• Promotes optimism and individualism