Psychological approaches LV4

Overview of Psychological Approaches

• Focus on three different approaches to psychology with emphasis on Alfred Adler and humanistic psychology.

Alfred Adler

• Core Belief: Humans strive for superiority rather than sex or aggression (contrary to Freud).

  • Concept of Lifestyle: Individuals create their own distinctive style of life to achieve superiority.

  • Risk of Inferiority Complex:

  • Potential development of feelings of low self-esteem when striving for superiority.

  • Particularly vulnerable during childhood if:

    • Pampered: Characterized by excessive indulgence (e.g., concept of a 'spoiled brat', exemplified by a character from Willy Wonka).

    • Neglected: Results in a desperate need for attention driven by a lack of it during formative years.

• Inferiority Complex:

  • Definition: Feelings of inadequacy that can lead to overcompensation, where an individual tries to prove their superiority at all costs.

Humanistic Psychology

• Focus and Philosophy:

  • Concentrates on the whole person and the uniqueness of each individual.

  • Rejection of deterministic views (e.g., Freud's views on unconscious influences) in favor of free will.

• Core Motive:

  • Self-Actualization: The drive to realize one's full potential.

  • Freudian perspective sees this drive as dangerous but humanistic psychologists view it positively as a goal.

• Basic Assumptions of Humanistic Psychologists:

  1. Individuals possess free will.

  2. Humans are inherently good and seek to improve themselves and the world.

  3. The motivation for self-actualization is fundamental.

Key Humanistic Psychologists

Carl Rogers

• Model of Personality: Components include:

  1. Organism: Innate genetic foundation (similar to Freud's Id but more positive).

  2. Self: The self-concept (beliefs about oneself).

  3. Conditions of Worth: Expectations for behavior based on societal and parental approval, similar to Freud's superego.

  • Formed during childhood as individuals internalize what behaviors are approved or disapproved by caregivers.

• Concept of Congruence:

  • Definition: The alignment of self-concept with experiences and desires. Ideal state leads to happiness if unconditional positive regard is received.

  • Unconditional Positive Regard: Acceptance and support without conditions or judgments. Essential for positive self-regard and self-realization.

• Consequences of Incongruence:

  • If conditions of worth are internalized without unconditional positive regard, individuals experience anxiety and are not fully functioning, leading to a life where one's actions don't match their genuine selves.

Abraham Maslow

• Hierarchy of Needs: Different needs must be satisfied sequentially:

  1. Physiological Needs: Basic requirements such as hunger and thirst.

  2. Safety Needs: Security and stability.

  3. Belongingness and Love Needs: Love, acceptance, and combating loneliness.

  4. Esteem Needs: Self-esteem, achievement, and respect from others.

  5. Self-Actualization Needs: Realizing one’s fullest potential.

• Application of Hierarchy:

  • Prioritizes needs; basic physiological needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs are addressed (e.g., stability must come before educational pursuits).

• Self-Actualized Individuals:

  • Only about 2% of the population can achieve this state (e.g., historical figures like Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi).

  • Characteristics:

  • Creative and spontaneous.

  • Fully accept themselves and others.

  • Focus on real-world problems rather than self-centered issues.

  • Possess a few deep friendships rather than many superficial ones.

  • Experience peak moments of profound connection and tranquility with the world.

Conclusion

• The discussion provides a comprehensive understanding of Adler's and the humanistic psychologists' views on personality and motivation. The next discussion will include a focus on personality traits and various tests related to them.