4.7 humanistic approach
Humanistic Psychology
Core assumptions
Focus on *free will** → humans actively choose behaviour (not determined).
Emphasis on *subjective experience** (how individuals perceive the world).
Humans are *innately good** and motivated to grow.
A *holistic approach** → considers the whole person, not reductionist.
Key concepts
Free will
Humans are *self-determining**.
* Behaviour is not controlled solely by biological or environmental factors.
Self-actualisation
The drive to achieve *full potential**.
* Ultimate goal of development.
* Only possible once lower needs are satisfied.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
1. Physiological (food, water)
2. Safety
3. Love & belonging
4. Esteem
5. Self-actualisation
Lower *deficiency needs** must be met before higher growth needs.
The self (Rogers)
* Self-concept: how you see yourself.
* Ideal self: who you want to be.
Congruence
* When self-concept ≈ ideal self → psychological health.
Incongruence
* Gap between self and ideal self → anxiety, low self-worth.
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Conditions of worth
* Love is conditional (“I’ll love you if…”).
* Leads to incongruence.
Unconditional positive regard
* Acceptance regardless of behaviour.
* Promotes healthy development.
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Counselling (Client-centred therapy)
* Developed by Rogers.
* Non-directive (client leads session).
* Therapist provides:
* Empathy
* Genuineness
* Unconditional positive regard
Goal: reduce incongruence and support self-actualisation.
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Evaluation of Humanistic Approach
Not reductionist
Considers *whole person**.
* More realistic than breaking behaviour into parts.
Positive approach
Focus on *growth and potential**.
* More optimistic than Freud/behaviourism.
Lack of scientific evidence
* Difficult to test concepts (e.g. self-actualisation).
* Relies on subjective data.
Cultural bias
* Individualistic focus (self-growth).
* Less relevant in collectivist cultures.
Limited application
* Less practical in treating severe disorders.
* More useful for mild issues (e.g. counselling).
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