Humanistic Approach

In which decade did humanistic psychology develop?

The 1950s

Who developed humanistic psychology?

Maslow and Rogers

Why is humanistic psychology called the third force?

It offered an alternative to behaviourism and the psychodynamic approach

Why did humanists criticise behaviourism?

It was too deterministic and only studied observable behaviour

Why did humanists criticise the psychodynamic approach?

Too much emphasis on unconscious forces and childhood

What do humanists believe about free will?

People make conscious choices

What is each person's innate drive according to humanists?

To reach their full potential

Why do humanists study humans rather than animals?

Humans must be understood as conscious and unique individuals

What is holism?

Studying the whole person and not separate parts

What is the idiographic approach?

Studying the individual case

Which methods do humanists favour?

Case studies and interviews

What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

A pyramid of needs that are met in order

What are the levels of Maslow's hierarchy from bottom to top?

Physiological - safety - love and belonging - esteem - self-actualisation

What must happen before higher needs are pursued?

Lower needs must be met first

What is self-actualisation?

Reaching one's full potential

What does self-actualisation involve?

Personal goals - creativity - independence - realistic self-understanding

What is self-concept?

How a person sees themselves

What is the ideal self?

Who the person wants to become

What is congruence?

When self-concept and ideal self match

What does congruence lead to?

High self-worth and good psychological health

What is incongruence?

A gap between self-concept and ideal self

What does incongruence lead to?

Low self-esteem - anxiety - distress

What are conditions of worth?

Believing you are only valued if you behave in certain ways

What is an example of a condition of worth?

Believing you are only loved if you get high grades

What do conditions of worth prevent?

Authenticity and self-actualisation

What is unconditional positive regard?

Acceptance regardless of mistakes or achievements

What does unconditional positive regard promote?

Self-worth - authenticity - self-actualisation

Who developed client-centred therapy?

Rogers

What does the therapist provide in client-centred therapy?

Empathy - genuineness - unconditional positive regard

Is client-centred therapy directive?

No - it is non-directive

How does client-centred therapy differ from CBT?

It guides clients to their own solutions rather than challenging their thoughts

Why is the humanistic approach criticised scientifically?

Its concepts are subjective and hard to measure

Which methods do humanists use that limit objectivity?

Qualitative methods such as interviews

How do humanists respond to the scientific criticism?

Scientific methods ignore individual experience

Why might the humanistic approach be culturally biased?

Maslow puts individual self-actualisation at the top - a Western value

Which study supports the cultural bias criticism?

Nevis (1983): Chinese participants prioritised belonging

What is an application of the humanistic approach?

Counselling and therapy

Which research supports humanistic therapy?

Elliott (2002) found improved client outcomes

Which study supports the idea of conditions of worth?

Harter et al. (1996): teenagers seeking parental approval developed a false self

What is a strength of the humanistic view of free will?

It recognises choice and individuality

What is a limitation of humanism's optimism?

It struggles to explain aggression and prejudice

Why is the humanistic approach holistic?

It considers emotions and experiences and relationships

What are the three AO3 paragraphs for a humanistic 16-marker?

Research (unscientific) - Issues (cultural bias) - Application (therapy