Humanistic Theories

  • What is a key feature of humanistic personality theories? 
    (A positive outlook on human nature and potential) 

  • What do humanistic theories focus on, in contrast to traditional psychological theories? 
    (Humanistic theories focus on promoting growth, not pathology) 

  • Which two humanistic psychologists are considered central to the development of this perspective? 
    (Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers) 

  • What does Abraham Maslow believe is the root of mental health and psychological fulfillment? 
    (Satisfying basic and distinctive human needs) 

  • How does Carl Rogers view the source of healing in therapy? 
    (Healing comes from inside the person, as long as the therapeutic environment permits it) 

  • According to Maslow, what are "deficiency motivations" (D Cognition)? 
    (Motivations to overcome deficits, such as hunger, often resulting in goal-directed behaviors like self-improvement) 

  • What are "growth motivations" (B Cognition) according to Maslow? 
    (Motivations that focus on self-improvement, development, and peak experiences, driven by intrinsic motivation) 

  • What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how does it function? 
    (It posits that lower needs, such as physiological needs, must be met before higher needs, like self-actualization, can be pursued) 

  • What are "basic physiological needs" in Maslow's hierarchy? 
    (Needs for food, water, air, warmth, and sleep necessary for survival) 

  • How does the "safety needs" level in Maslow’s hierarchy influence human behavior? 
    (People prioritize safety and stability once their basic needs are met, seeking predictability and order in their lives) 

  • According to Maslow, what happens if social needs like "belongingness" and "love" are not met? 
    (Social anxiety and depression can arise) 

  • What distinguishes the two types of esteem needs Maslow identified? 
    (Lower esteem needs are based on respect from others, while higher esteem needs relate to self-respect) 

  • What is self-actualization in Maslow’s hierarchy? 
    (The process of realizing one’s full potential and striving to be the best they can be, often marked by peak experiences) 

  • What is the transcendence level in Maslow's model? 
    (A desire to help others self-actualize, connecting beyond the ego and experiencing higher states of consciousness) 

  • How did Maslow use psychobiography in his research? 
    (He analyzed the lives of individuals like Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt to identify characteristics of self-actualization) 

  • What are some characteristics of self-actualizers according to Maslow? 
    (Self-acceptance, other-acceptance, realism, ethicality, intimacy, independence, autonomy, and mirthfulness) 

  • What does Maslow believe causes psychopathology? 
    (Unmet needs, though the link to psychopathology is not well-defined) 

  • What is Carl Rogers’ approach to therapy? 
    (Client-Centered Therapy, where the therapist facilitates the client’s journey toward self-healing without imposing a "correct" view) 

  • How does Rogers view the role of the therapist in therapy? 
    (The therapist is a facilitator who assists the client without dictating or directing their healing process) 

  • What is a critique of Maslow’s theory based on sample bias? 
    (Maslow’s research focused on highly accomplished, psychologically healthy individuals, which may not apply to those with average abilities or in less ideal conditions)