The Humanistic Approach Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is humanistic psychology?
A perspective that emphasizes looking at the whole person, and the uniqueness of each individual. Humanistic psychology begins with the existential assumptions that people have free will and are motivated to achieve their potential and self-actualize.
What does the humanistic approach say about free will?
They claim that human beings are essentially self determining and have free will. People are affected by external and internal influences, but are also active agents who can determine their own development. The subjective, conscious experiences of the individual is most important. Humanistic psychologists argue that objective reality is less important than a person’s subjective perception and understanding of the world. Sometimes the humanistic approach is called phenomenological. This means that personality is studied from the point of view of the individuals subjective experience.
What does humanistic psychology say about self-actualisation?
People are motivated to self-actualize. Self-actualization concerns psychological growth, fulfilment and satisfaction in life. Both Rogers and Maslow regarded personal growth and fulfilment in life as a basic human motive. This means that each person, in different ways, seeks to grow psychologically and continuously enhance themselves.
What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
A five-levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic physiological needs (such as hunger) need to be satisfied before higher psychological needs (such as self esteem and self actualisation) can be achieved.
Explain the concept of congruence in relation to self actualisation.
Rogers argued that for personal growth to be achieved an individual’s concept of self (the way they see themselves) must have congruence with their ideal self (the person they want to be). If the gap is too big, the person will experience a state of incongruence and self actualisation will not be possible due to the negative feelings of self worth that arise from this.
