Humanistic Approach AO3

Question 1

✅ How does the humanistic approach offer a positive perspective on human nature?

Answer 1

It provides an optimistic view of humanity, emphasizing that individuals are basically good, capable of personal growth, and have free will. This is a contrast to Freud’s pessimistic view, which saw people as driven by past traumas and trapped between ‘common unhappiness’ and ‘absolute despair’.

Question 2

✅ How has the humanistic approach been applied practically?

Answer 2

It has led to Rogerian therapy, which transformed counselling techniques, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which has been used to explain motivation, particularly in the workplace. These applications have improved understanding and support for mental health and employee motivatio

Question 3

❌ What is a major criticism of the humanistic approach in terms of scientific evidence?

Answer 3

Humanistic psychology is criticized for being anti-scientific, relying on vague concepts like ‘self-actualisation’ and ‘congruence’, which are difficult to test under experimental conditions. This leads to a lack of empirical support for its theories.

Question 4

❌ Why is the humanistic approach considered culturally biased?

Answer 4

It is rooted in individualistic cultures that value freedom, autonomy, and personal growth, such as in Western societies. Collectivistic cultures (e.g., India), which emphasize group needs and interdependence, may not relate to its values. This questions the generalisability of the approach across different cultures.