Approaches - Humanistic Flashcards
(16 cards)
Rejection of the scientific method
Humanists argue that human behaviour is complex and cannot be studied through traditional scientific methods, which aim to identify and test simple cause-and-effect relationships objectively.
Free will in humanistic psychology
Humanists believe that external causes do not determine behaviour. Instead, individuals have personal agency—the capacity to choose and shape their lives through conscious decision-making.
Holism in humanistic psychology
Humanists take a holistic view of behaviour, rejecting reductionist explanations (e.g. genetic, behavioural, cognitive, or psychodynamic). They consider all factors and their interactions rather than isolating variables.
Non-experimental methods
Humanists prefer case studies as they provide rich, qualitative data on individual experiences. These are better suited to capturing human depth than quantitative experiments.
Humanistic focus on mental health
Humanists focus on growth, understanding, and self-fulfilment rather than just treating dysfunction. They encourage people to reach their full potential and become their best selves—this is known as self-actualisation.
Self-actualisation (Maslow)
The process of realising personal potential and self-understanding. It represents the highest psychological development level in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Top to Bottom)
• Self-actualisation: Growth and fulfilment of potential
• Esteem Needs: Recognition and accomplishment
• Love and Belongingness: Social relationships and connections
• Safety Needs: Security, health, and financial safety
• Physiological Needs: Food, water, warmth, rest
Congruence
Congruence occurs when an individual’s perceived self (how they see themselves) matches their ideal self (who they want to be). It’s vital for achieving self-actualisation.
Conditions of worth
Conditions set by others (e.g. parents) to gain approval. These may lead to individuals developing an ideal self that doesn’t reflect their true desires, making congruence harder to achieve.
Unconditional positive regard
Accepting and valuing someone without conditions. Helps individuals enhance self-concept and perceived self, reducing the gap between perceived and ideal selves.
Client-centred therapy
Developed by Carl Rogers. The therapist acts as a supportive facilitator rather than an expert. Focus is on the present/future and achieving congruence. The therapist provides unconditional positive regard.
Evaluation – scientific validity
Humanistic psychology is considered unscientific due to its reliance on qualitative data and rejection of experimental methods. This makes it hard to test and measure key concepts like self-actualisation.
Evaluation – holistic explanation
Its holistic approach offers a more complete understanding of behaviour, avoiding the reductionism of other theories. But it may overlook the impact of specific biological/environmental factors.
Evaluation – face validity and free will
People experience their actions as freely chosen, which gives humanism face validity. However, critics argue this free will may be illusory and behaviour may still be influenced by external/biological factors.
Evaluation – practical applications
Humanistic ideas led to effective client-centred therapy and influenced areas like sport performance, education, and workplace motivation by promoting self-understanding and personal development.
Evaluation – cultural bias
Humanistic psychology may reflect Western individualist values (e.g. personal growth and success). In collectivist cultures, values like family harmony are prioritised, making the theory less applicable across cultures.
