The humanistic approach Flashcards
(13 cards)
What does the humanistic approach propose about free will?
People have full conscious control over their own destiny (not to say we are free to do anything, we are subject to many other forces e.g. biological and societal influences - they believe that humans can make significant personal choices within the constraints imposed by these forces)
What was Maslow interested in (in reference to people)?
What could go right with them - emphasised the importance of personal growth and fulfilment
What is Maslows hierarchy of needs?
People must work their way to the top (self-actualisation) from the bottom (basic physiological needs) - each level must be fulfilled before a person can move up to a higher need
What is self-actualisation?
Peak experiences - moments of extreme inspiration and ecstasy during which they felt able to leave behind all doubts, fears and inhibitions
What type of people attain self-actualisation?
People who tend to be creative, accepting of other people and had an accurate perception of the world around them
What is on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? and what are examples of each?
Physiological (food, water, sex etc)
Safety (security of employment, resources, family, health etc)
Love and belonging (friendship, family, sexual intimacy)
Esteem (self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect)
Self-actualisation (morality, creativity, lack of prejudice, problem solving etc)
What does focus on the self refer to?
How we perceive ourselves as a person
What two basic needs did Roger claim humans need?
Positive regard from other people and a feeling of self-worth
Where does Roger suggest feelings of self-worth come from?
Develop in childhood as a result of the child’s interaction with parents
Further interactions with significant others (friends, spouse etc) also influence a persons sense of self-worth
What is a state of congruence?
When there is similarity between a persons ideal self and how they perceive themselves to be in real life (if there is a difference between self and ideal self = person in a state of incongruence)
Why do humans use defence mechanisms?
To feel less threatened by inconsistencies between how they would like to be and how they really are (to protect the self-image/self-esteem)
What are Rogers conditions of worth?
Conditions that other people put upon them, and which they believe have to be in place if they are to be accepted by others and see themselves positively
A person may experience a sense of self-acceptance only if they meet the expectations that others have set as conditions of acceptance
What is the influence of the humanistic approach on counselling in psychology?
Rogers: through counselling people would be able to solve their own problems in constructive ways, and move towards becoming a more fully functioning person
Humanistic therapists regard themselves as ‘guides’ or ‘facilitators’ to help people understand themselves + find a way to enable their potential for self-actualisation
