Humanistic Psychology

Self Actulisation

Maslow developed a theory of human motivation (1943). He suggested that humans have an intrinsic motivation to develop or to self-actualise, which occurs when their needs are met.

Weaknesses of Humanistic Psychology

P: Evaluating the humanistic approach scientifically is difficult because most of the evidence used to support this approach fails to establish a causal relationship between variables. E: Psychologists would argue that without experimental evidence, evaluation of a therapy or the theory it becomes difficult to verify the results of counselling. Some studies have shown personal growth as a result of having humanistic counselling but these do not show that the therapy was the cause of these changes therefore challenging a fundamental requirement of scientific Psychology. E: P: Many of the ideas that are central to humanistic Psychology, such as individual freedom, autonomy and personal growth are more readily associated with individualistic cultures in the Western World. E: Collectivist cultures emphasise the needs of the group and community over the individual. Therefore one would argue it is possible that the Humanistic approach is culturally biased and is a product of the cultural context in which it was developed. Further evidence for this includes a study (Nevis, 1983) which challenges Maslow hierarchy of needs as found that in China belongingness was more fundamental than physiological needs. E: This does not explain similarities in behaviour around the world.

The Self

'Self' means our conscious understanding of our identity, including who we are and what we mean to others. Carl Rogers thought that personal growth depended on holding a positive self-concept or self-regard. How we feel about ourselves depends on being valued and respected by other people as we are rather than as the people they would like us to be. Many people believe that they would be loved or valued more if they meet the standards of those close or important to them (conditions of worth).

Four Assumtions of Humanistic Psychology

- Humans have free will; not all behavior is determind. - All Individuals are unqiue and have an innate drive to ahcieve their maximum potential. - A proper understanding of human behaviour can only be acheived by studying humans - not animals. - Psychology should study the individual case (idiographic) rather than the avrage performance of groups (nomothetic).

Who developed Humanim?

Humanism was developed by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow in the 1950s. It became known as the third force in psychology alongside behaviourist and psychodynamic approaches.

Strength of Humanistic Psychology

P: Humanistic Psychology has been criticised for having little real world application compared to other approaches however many argue that the approach has revolutionized counselling techniques. E: A number of therapies have developed from Humanism; one of these is person-centred or client-centred therapy, which is often known as counselling. The aim is for the client to resolve their problems with the support of a counsellor. Maslow's hierarchy has been used to explain motivation in the workplace has been linked to economic development and informs the practice of educational, Health and Social care professionals. E: This gives people a better quaility of life. P: Humanists reject breaking up human behaviour into smaller components (reductionism). E: Other approaches such as behaviourism and Biological psychology are criticised as they reduce behaviour to basic processes over simplifying the complexity of human behaviour. Humanistic Psychologist however advocate Holism, the idea that subjective experience can only be understood by considering the whole person. E: This approach may therefore have more validity than others as it considers meaningful human behaviour within real life context.

Congruence

Rogers claimed that issues with self-esteem in adulthood can link to a lack of unconditional positive regard in childhood. Rogers argued that for personal growth to be achieved an individual's concept of self (the way they see themselves) must be broadly equivalent to, or have congruence with their ideal self (the person they want to be).

Free Will

Unlike most other approaches humanistic theories emphasise that people have full conscious control over their destiny. This is not to say that we are not subject to many other forces including biological and societal influences however humanistic psychologists believe humans are able to make significant personal choices.