The humanistic approach

Question 1

why do humanistic approach reject the scientific method?

Answer 1

• human behaviour is too complex
• unsuitable for study through traditional scientific methods
• which seek to identify and test simple cause-and-effect methods objectively

Question 2

what do humanists believe about free will?

Answer 2

• external causes dont set our behaviours
• free will= act as personal agency
• individuals can shape their own lives through conscious decision making

Question 3

how is the humanistic approach a holistic view?

Answer 3

• humanists consider all factors in their interactions
• genetics
• learned responses
• observed rewards
• cognitive priming
• unconscious drives

Question 4

Evaluations: limitations, non-scientific

Answer 4

• non-scientific due to reliance on non-experimental qualitative methods
• lack of empirical evidence
• self-actualisation criticised for vague definitions and lack of operalisation
• hard to test validity of theories

Question 5

Evaluation: strength, holistic explanation may be more valid

Answer 5

• holistic explanation= more valid bc captures complexity of human experience
• simple explanations criticised for overlooking contributing factors
• e.g. both environmental and biological elements interact to create the diathesis- stress model

Question 6

why do humanists prefer case studies?

Answer 6

• involve detailed research into individuals or events
• able to capture richness and depth into human experience
• doesn’t reduce to variables that can be easily manipulated or measured

Question 7

why do humanists focus on mental health?

Answer 7

• concentrate on how the mind malfunctions and treating mental illness
• explore personal growth + understanding and self actualisation
• want humans to achieve their highest potential and perform their best

Question 8

what is self- actualisation?

Answer 8

• highest level of psychological development
• realising your full potential
• deeply understands themselves, their values and purpose in life

Question 9

what is Maslows hierarchy of needs?

Answer 9

• sequence of human needs in the form of a pyramid
• foundational needs must be set before an individual can achieve self actualisation
• starts w most basic and progress to higher levels

Question 10

what are maslows hierarchy of needs in a pyramid? ( top to bottom)

Answer 10

• self actualisation
• self esteem
• love and belonging
• safety + security
• physiological needs

Question 11

what are physiological needs?

Answer 11

• basic necessities for human survival
• food
• water
• warmth
• rest

Question 12

what are safety needs?

Answer 12

• personal and financial security
• health and wellbeing

Question 13

what are love and belonging needs?

Answer 13

• social needs that include the desire for intimate relationships
• friends
• social connections

Question 14

what are self- esteem needs?

Answer 14

• both self esteem and esteem from others
• recognition and feelings of accomplishment

Question 15

what is self actualisation when you have reached the top of the pyramid?

Answer 15

• top of hierarchy
• represents seeking personal growth and fulfillment of personal potential

Question 16

what did Carl Rogers say about congruence?

Answer 16

• it is essential for reaching self actualisation
• refers to the alignment of the perceived self and the ideal self

Question 17

what is the perceived self?

Answer 17

• self- image

Question 18

what is the ideal self?

Answer 18

• the person one aspires to be

Question 19

what are the two ways at becoming congruent?

Answer 19

• adopt a more realistic ideal self
• enhance your perceived self

Question 20

how do you adopt a more realistic ideal self?

Answer 20

• ideal self usually shaped by conditions of worth
• lead to an ideal self that isnt reflective of someones genuine desires or values
• by modifying these unrealistic standards individuals can set more realistic goals
• these are more likely to be in harmony with their true selves

Question 21

what are conditions of worth?

Answer 21

• expectations from others someone has to meet to earn love and approval
• lead to an ideal self that isnt reflective of someones genuine desires or values

Question 22

what is unconditional positive regard?

Answer 22

• acceptance and love without conditions or expectations

Question 23

How do you enhance your perceived self?

Answer 23

• helped by people giving them unconditional positive regard
• when they have this support theyre more likely to develop a positive self image
• able to acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses without undue self criticism

Question 24

what is client/person centred therapy?

Answer 24

• emphasises importance of the present and future over the past
• aims to help clients achieve congruence

Question 25

what is the role of the therapist in client centred therapy?

Answer 25

• dont have role of expert to direct the client
• believe clients are best experts on their own lives and experiences
• offer support and help clients journey to self discovery and resolutions of their issues

Question 26

why do therapists provide unconditional positive regard?

Answer 26

• provides acceptance from someone who isnt friends or family

Question 27

Evaluations: strength, approach suggests free will which has face validity

Answer 27

• people have subjective experience of autonomy and self direction
• like to think actions are due to free choices not pre determined biological or environmental factors

Question 28

Evaluations: limitations, free will is an illusion

Answer 28

• free will fits better with peoples perceived ideas about behaviour
• this is not 100% true as there is empirical evidence to show that biological and environmental factors do determine behaviour

Question 29

Evaluations: strength, has practical applications

Answer 29

• Maslows hierarchy of needs is used in client centered therapy
• helped in sports performance, improved employee satisfaction and motivation in the business world
• improved health outcomes bc of holistic care due to better understanding of humans needs

Question 30

Evaluations: limitations, culturally baised

Answer 30

• developed in 1960’s USA
• culturally biased towards western ideologies
• emphasises self actualisation through personal success
• contrasts collectivist values where family is prioritised even at the expense of personal needs
• suggests superiority of western individualistic norms
• suggests collectivist societies are less able to reach self actualisation