Humanistic psychology: Key terms

Humanistic psychology

An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person's capacity for self-determination.

The aim of Rogerian therapy; when the self-concept and ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match

Congruence

Developed by Rogers; Therapy to help people cope with problems of everyday living

Client-centred therapy

Issues experienced in adulthood (low self-esteem and worthlessness) have roots in childhood. Often explained by...

Lack of unconditional positive regard

Name a concept created from the humanistic approach

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Hierarchy of needs

A five-levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic needs (such as hunger) must be satisfied before higher

A parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children; e.g. "I will only love you if..."

Condition of worth

Samuel parents own a farm. The farm has been passed down three generations before his parents. Samuel is the only boy out of three children. Recently, he's been thinking of a career in Archaeology, but is worried his parents will disown him as they've had arguments about Samuel's future before. Give the humanistic concept and its definition of this example.

Conditions of worth - When a parent places a limit or boundaries of their children.

Name three (or more) of Maslow's hierarchy categories.

Physiological needs; safety and security; Love and belongingness; Self-esteem; Self-actualisation

Self-actualisation

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one's full potential - becoming what you are capable of.

Free will

The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external forces.