Humanism

Question 1

What philosophical approach forms the basis of Humanism?

Answer 1

Existential philosophy

Question 2

Who are the two key figures in Humanistic psychology?

Answer 2

Rogers and Maslow

Question 3

What are the defining characteristics of a humanistic approach to psychology? (5pts)

Answer 3

• emphasis on personal growth
• positive (instead of Freud’s inherently aggressive/destructive approach)
• focus on the present instead of the past
• emphasis on personal responsibility
• emphasis on phenomenology of the individual

Question 4

What is meant by a phenomenological approach?

Answer 4

Emphasis on the uniqueness of the individual and their experience

Question 5

What are instinctoid tendencies? (Maslow)

Answer 5

Innate tendencies toward healthy growth and development (weak, easily overcome by environmental influences)

Question 6

According to Maslow, what are the distinct types of human motivations? Include examples.

Answer 6

Deficiency motives (basic needs we have to fulfil) - hunger, thirst, safety, love

Growth (B-motives) - giving love, increased drive, curiosity, etc

Question 7

According to Maslow, what are examples of physiological needs?

Answer 7

Hunger, thirst, sleep, oxygen, pooping/peeing, sex…

Question 8

According to Maslow, what are examples of safety needs?

Answer 8

Security, safe living environment, self-protection, law abiding communities, a sense of order…

Question 9

What is a downside of safety needs?

Answer 9

Tendency to choose safety over risk can minimise growth

Question 10

What are the two types of love and belongingness needs according to Maslow?

Answer 10

D-Love - deficiency need to fill our own emptiness/cure aloneness

B-Love - our ability to love others (growth motive)

Question 11

According to Maslow, what are the types of esteem needs?

Answer 11

• the need to be seen as competent and achieving
• the need to have others respect and admire us

Question 12

Maslow’s concept of self-actualisation is similar to what Jungian concept?

Answer 12

Individuation

Question 13

What did Maslow believe was the cause of all mental illness and what determined its severity?

Answer 13

Failure to satisfy an individual’s fundamental needs. The more basic the level of need that was not satisfied, the more severe the disturbance.

Question 14

What are some key criticisms of Maslow’s theory of personality and self-actualisation?

Answer 14

• over simplifies behaviour
• lacking in detail
• not a comprehensive theory (only focuses on positive growth)
• ignores the role of genetics and overemphasises the role of environment
• was developed using subjective rather objective methods
• imprecise definitions of concepts (like self-actualisation) making them difficult to test empirically
• inconsistent (I.e., generally positive view of humans but with love needs sees them as manipulative and demanding)
• limited/weak supporting empirical evidence

Question 15

Strengths of Maslow’s theory?

Answer 15

• provided useful insight into human motivational needs