the humanistic approach

Question 1

free will

Answer 1

we are active agents who have the ability to determine our own behaviour and development

Question 2

self-actualisation

Answer 2

• everyone has an innate tendency to want to reach their full potential
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (physiological needs, security, love and belonging, self-esteem and self-actualisation), all 4 lower levels must be met before self-actualisation can be achieved

Question 3

the self, congruence and conditions of worth

Answer 3

• for personal growth to be achieved, an individual’s concept of self (how they see themselves) and their ideal self (how they want to be) must be congruent
• worthlessness and self-esteem seems to root from a lack of unconditional positive regard in childhood and conditions of worth (when a parent places a limit on the love for their child)

Question 4

evaluation: not reductionist

Answer 4

• all the other psychologists break up human behaviour into component parts whereas humanistic psychologists advocate holism (the idea that experience can only be explained by looking at the whole person)
• may have more validity as it considers behaviour within meaningful real-life context

Question 5

evaluation: limited application

Answer 5

• it is true that Roger’s theory has revolutionised counselling techniques but it remains the case that the approach has limited impact within the science as a whole
• this may be due to the approach lacking evidence but because it is made up of loosely based concepts

Question 6

evaluation: positive approach

Answer 6

• has been praised for ‘bringing the person back into psychology’ and promoting a positive image of the human condition
• Freud saw human beings as slaves of their past but the humanistic approach offers a refreshing alternative
• it sees all people as good and free to live up to their potential