Humanism Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the assumptions of the humanistic approach?
1) Every person is unique, so psychology should focus on the subjective experiences, feelings and thoughts of a person. This is an ideographic approach
2) People have freewill and are free to choose what they do and what kind of people they can be
3) Humans should be viewed as a whole & not reduced to component parts. People must be looked at from holistic perspective
4) The scientific method is not a valid way to study human behaviour. It’s too objective.
What is an implication of freewill?
A person is responsible for their own behaviour
What are some constraints of freewill?
We have a limited number of options to choose from due to social rules, laws and morals. This restricts whether we actually do behave as we would wish.
What does it mean that humans are active agents?
We have the ability to determine their own development & that any individual is ultimately in charge of how they develop through life.
Why do humanists reject scientific models?
Scientific models attempt to establish general principles of behaviour, but humanists believe we should consider the subjective experience of the individual.
What is self-actualisation?
-We have an innate tendency to try and self-actualise
-People try to achieve their full potential and become the best they possibly can be.
-Personal growth is an essential part of being human
-Not everyone will manage to self actualise because of physical & psychological barriers
-When it’s achieved it can be described as the ultimate feeling of well-being & satisfaction
What does it mean to be fully functioning?
-Is open to experience
-Lives existentially
-Trusts feelings
-Is creative
-Has a fulfilled life
Summarise Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Maslow suggested that each stage must be successfully achieved before moving onto the next. We first need to satisfy our basic needs: physiological & safety needs. Then, we need to achieve our psychological needs: belongingness and love & esteem needs. After achieving this we have reached self-actualisation.
According to rogers, when does the self develop?
During childhood.
What is the self concept?
The person you perceive yourself to be. It is largely based on life experiences and whether the individual has experienced conditions of worth or unconditional positive regard from parents.
What is the ideal self?
The person you wish to be. It consists of an individuals goals and ambitions in life, and is forever changing.
What is the real self?
This is the person you actually are, not who you think you are or wish you were. Consists of your skills and abilities & limitations.
What is congruence and how do you achieve it?
When your ideal self, real self & self-concept are the same/similar. To achieve congruence an individual needs to close the gap between their ideal self, real self & self concept. Only possible once you’ve experienced unconditioned positive regard
What did Rogers assume all individuals need?
Unconditioned positive regard (unconditional love). This should come from the mother or other family members
