Humanistic Approach Flashcards
(17 cards)
Why do humanists reject the scientific method
Because they argue that human behaviour is complex, so unsuitable for study through scientific methods
How is humanistic psychology different compared to most approaches?
-All the approaches have been considered to be determinist to some degree in their suggestion that our behaviour is entirely, or at least partly, shaped by forces over which we have no control.
-Humanistic psychology
claims that human beings are essentially self-determining and have free will.
Define the Humanistic psychology approach
- An approach to
understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance
of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self-
determination.
Define Free will
- The notion that humans can make choices and
are not determined by biological or external forces.
Define Self-actualisation
- The desire to grow psychologically
and fulfil one’s full potential - becoming what you are
capable of.
Define Hierarchy of needs
- A five-levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic needs (such as hunger) must be satisfied before higher psychological needs (such as esteem and self- actualisation) can be achieved.
Define Self
- The ideas and values that characterise ‘I’ and ‘me’ and includes perception and valuing of ‘what I am’ and
‘what I can do’.
Define Congruence
- The aim of Rogerian therapy; when the self- concept and ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match.
Define Conditions of worth
- When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children; for instance, a
parent saying to a child, ‘I will only love you if…you study
medicine’ or ‘if you split up with that boy’.
Define hollistic
an approach that considers the individual as a whole, encompassing their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
What do the humanists focus on if not experimental methods (4)
-The Humanistic focus on non-experimental methods:
- Case studies involve detailed research into single individuals
or specific events, which matches the humanistic goal of capturing the richness and depth of human experience
rather than reducing it to variables that can be easily manipulated or measured in an experimental setting.
-The Humanistic focus on mental health:
- Unlike other psychological perspectives that concentrate on how the mind malfunctions and treating mental illnesses, humanistic psychologists explore personal growth, self-understanding, and self-actualisation, humans achieving their highest potential and performing at their best.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs: Outlines a sequence of human needs in the form of a pyramid.
- Maslow argued that certain foundational needs must be met before an individual can achieve self-actualisation.
The hierarchy starts with
the most basic needs and progresses to higher levels.
What is the highest level of psychological development according to humanists
self-actualisation-it is the process of realising your full potential. The individual deeply understands themselves, their values, and their purpose in life.
What are Maslows hierarchy of needs and describe them (5)
Self-Actualisation:
-At the top of the hierarchy this represents seeking personal growth and the fulfilment of personal potential.
Esteem Needs:
- Both self-esteem and esteem from others, including feelings of accomplishment and recognition.
Love and Belongingness Needs:
- social needs include the desire for intimate relationships, friends, and social connections.
Safety Needs:
- these include personal and financial security, health, and well-being.
Physiological Needs:
- These are the basic necessities for human survival, such as food, water, warmth, and rest.
What is incongruence
When there is a significant gap between the perceived and ideal selves, the person experiences incongruence and cannot achieve self-actualisation.
Rogers believed that reducing this gap and increasing congruence is crucial for personal development and well-being.
How can you become congruent
-Adopt a More Realistic Ideal Self
-Often, people’s ideal selves are shaped by conditions of worth, which are expectations from others that one must meet to earn their love or approval.
-Conditions of worth** can lead to an ideal self that is
unattainably perfect or not truly reflective of someone’s genuine desires and values.
-By recognising and modifying these unrealistic standards, individuals can set more attainable goals that are in harmony with their true selves.
-Enhance Self-Concept / Perceived self
-Improving self concept/perceived self is helped by receiving unconditional positive regard from others,
acceptance and love without conditions or
expectations.
- When individuals experience this support, they are
more likely to develop a positive and realistic self-
image, acknowledging their strengths and
weaknesses without undue self-criticism.
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Rogers claimed that many of the issues we experience
as adults, such as worthlessness and low self-esteem, have their roots in childhood and can often be explained by a lack of unconditional positive regard (or lack of unconditional love) from our parents.A parent who sets boundaries or limits on
their love for their child (conditions of worth) by claiming ‘I will only love you if…’
is storing up psychological problems for that child in the future. Thus, Rogers saw
one of his roles as an effective therapist as being able to provide his clients with the
unconditional positive regard that they had failed to receive as children.
