The Humanistic-Existential Approach Human Needs and Self-Actualization

✳️ ⚠️ Self-Actualization Tendency ⚠️ Flow Personality as Existence ✳️ ⚠️ Existential Approach

What is the humanistic-existential approach to personality?

It emphasizes free will, personal growth, and meaning, integrating humanistic optimism with existential responsibility.

How do humanistic psychologists view personality?

They see it as shaped by personal growth and the drive to self-actualize, highlighting inherent human goodness.

How do existential psychologists view personality?

They focus on individual choice, the search for meaning, and facing existential realities like death and freedom.

What is self-actualization tendency?

The human motive to realize inner potential, including creativity, personal growth, and the search for meaning.

What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

A model where basic physiological needs must be met before one can pursue higher-level psychological growth.

How does the environment influence personality according to humanists?

It can facilitate or block self-actualization by either supporting or restricting psychological needs.

What is flow?

A state of intense focus and engagement in tasks that match one’s abilities, leading to optimal happiness and performance.

When does flow occur?

• When a task is neither too easy (boring) nor too hard (anxiety-inducing) but perfectly challenges one’s abilities.

What is the existential approach to personality?

It views personality as shaped by free choices, the search for meaning, and confronting life’s realities.

What is angst in existential psychology?

The anxiety of fully being, caused by confronting freedom, death, and the search for meaning.

How do people cope with existential angst?

• Avoidance (materialism, distractions like social media).

• Embracing comforting illusions.

• Facing anxiety head-on to live authentically.

What is the healthier existential solution to angst?

Accepting anxiety, confronting existential realities, and building supportive relationships.

How does unconditional positive regard help with existential anxiety?

It provides emotional support and acceptance, helping people face their fears and live authentically.