Humanistic psychology Flashcards
In what three ways does humanistic psychology differ from other approaches?
Focus on:
Conscious experience rather than behaviour
Personal responsibility and free will rather than determinism
Discussion of experience rather than experimental method
Who developed humanistic psychology in the 1950s?
Rogers and Maslow.
Define free will.
The ability to act at one’s own discretion - can choose how to behave without influence of external factors.
What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Motivational theory describing the needs of humans from most basic, to highest levels of fulfilment. Demonstrates what is required for self-actualisation.
What is self-actualisation?
Rogers - the drive to realise one’s full potential
Maslow - the final stage of the hierarchy of needs where the individual is in the form of peak experiences (extreme ecstasy and inspiration).
Describe the stages of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from most basic to most fulfilled.
Physiological (breathing, food, sex, homeostasis)
Safety (security of employment, family, health)
Love/belonging (friends, family, intimacy)
Esteem (confidence, achievement, respect)
Self-actualisation (morality, creativity, ecstasy)
What does humanistic psychology focus on?
The self: personal identity, self-perception
What is a state of congruence?
When there is similarity between a person’s ideal self and self-image.
What are conditions of worth?
Conditions imposed on an individual that are considered necessary to earn positive regard from significant others.
(AO3) How has humanistic psychology been applied in treatment?
Counselling therapy. Focus on dissolving perceived conditions of worth. Therapists ‘guide’ people to understand themself and reach their potential of self-actualisation. Unconditional positive regard important to counter conditions of worth. Client works on becoming more congruent.
(AO3) Where has Maslow’s hierarchy of needs been used in the real world?
Measuring levels of economic development in countries. Developing countries - focus on physiological needs lower down pyramid. Suggests only advanced stages of econ development that self-actualisation becomes important. Also allows govts to see where investment required to develop their economy and society.
(AO3) Explain lack of the scientific method as a weakness of humanistic psychology.
Humanistic research fails to establish causal relationships between variables. Makes testing of theories and treatments extremely difficult - is counselling viable? Humanists argue experimental methods are restricting. However, causal relationships are fundamental in scientific psychology.
(AO3) Explain how the humanistic approach is unrealistic.
Overly idealised and unrealistic view of human nature. People not as inherently good and growth-oriented as humanism suggests. Capacity for pessimism and self-destructive behaviour not recognised. Therefore describing behaviour as an innate drive for growth is an over-simplification. Suggests inaccuracy of approach - application in real world may not be appropriate.
