Humanistic Approach

Question 1

Humanistic approach

Answer 1

An approach that understands behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each persons capacity for self-determination

Question 2

First assumption is free-will

Answer 2

• The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external factors
• we are self-determining
• we are active agents- in control, determine our own development
• Roger’s and Moscow - reject scientific models that attempt to establish general principles

Question 3

Second assumption is self actualisation

Answer 3

• every person has an innate tendency to achieve full potential
• Marlows hierarchy - all levels need to be met before reaching the top - self-actualisation
• personal growth is essential for humans but there are some Barriers

Question 4

Final aspect- focus on self,congruence and conditions of worth

Answer 4

• rogers argued that for personal growth to be achieved- concept of self must have congruence with ideal self
• if gap too big- have negative feelings of self-worth - client centred therapy to reduce gap
• childhood - low self esteem and feelings of worthlessness - lack of of unconditional positive regard from parents
• parents set boundaries of love e.g ‘ I will only love you if’ - therapy provides missed unconditional positive regard missed

Question 5

Strength humanistic

Answer 5

• praised for bringing the person back into psychology - promote positive image of human condition
• offer refreshing and optimistic alternative- sees everyone as good , free to work towards achievement of potential and control their lives

Question 6

Strength humanistic

Answer 6

• Not reductionist ( reduce behaviour down to simple )
• humanistic reject breaking behaviour into small components
• advocate holism - subjective experience can only be understood by considering whole person
• has more validity than alternatives - meaningful behaviour within real-life context

Question 7

Weakness humanistic approach

Answer 7

• Cultural bias
• freedom and personal growth would be associated better with individualist cultures in western world
• e.g India - needs of group an community may not identify so easily with ideals and values of humanistic
• less relevant in certain cultures

Question 8

Weakness humanistic

Answer 8

• untestable concepts
• congruence can’t test in experiment
• roger- rigour to work- Q-sort - progress in therapy
• lacks empirical evidence

Question 9

Weakness humanistic

Answer 9

• Limited real life app- untestable
• Maslows hierarchy - increase motivation but limited impact in psychology
• often referred to as a loose set of abstract concepts