5.1.16

Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)

Test yourself

Humanism

The humanistic approach is focused on the individual person. The approach is generally more positive because it assumes that all people strive to better themselves.

Illustrative background for HumanismIllustrative background for Humanism ?? "content

Humanism

  • Humanism is a perspective within psychology that emphasises the potential for good that is innate to all humans.
  • The approach is very individualistic, and does not just focus on observable behaviour, but also looks at a person's feelings.
  • Free will is an important factor in humanism and forms the basis for the theory that people have choice over their actions.
Illustrative background for Free willIllustrative background for Free will ?? "content

Free will

  • Other approaches in psychology examine the cause-effect relationship of behaviours - whether it be genetic, biological or external causes.
  • The humanistic approach looks at free will, which is that humans choose how to behave.
Illustrative background for CongruenceIllustrative background for Congruence ?? "content

Congruence

  • Self-actualisation is the concept that humans strive to fulfil their potential.
  • A person will see themselves in two ways: the way they are currently (self-concept) and the way they want to be (ideal self).
  • A person who has fulfilled their potential and is their ideal self is said to have achieved self-actualisation. They are congruent.
  • If a person has a disconnect between their self-concept and their ideal self, they are incongruous.
Illustrative background for Conditions of worthIllustrative background for Conditions of worth ?? "content

Conditions of worth

  • Conditions of worth are when people are rewarded for behaving in a specific way.
  • An example of condition of worth is when a child is rewarded with an allowance for doing chores.
  • At times, conditions of worth can negatively impact a person’s self-concept. If a person is trying to please their parents/teachers/family, then this could stunt the development of their own personality.
Illustrative background for Unconditional positive regardIllustrative background for Unconditional positive regard ?? "content

Unconditional positive regard

  • Unconditional positive regard is when a person receives love and support no matter how they behave. This will develop a positive self-concept.
  • An example of unconditional positive regard is person-centred therapy; this is when a therapist does not judge their patient. They only give genuine support and empathy.
Illustrative background for Abraham MaslowIllustrative background for Abraham Maslow ?? "content

Abraham Maslow

  • Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) was an American psychologist who is best known for proposing a hierarchy of human needs in motivating behaviour.
  • Maslow is one of the most well-known proponents of humanistic psychology.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow proposed a pyramid of human needs that shows that some needs are more important, and those must be fulfilled to get to higher levels.

Illustrative background for Tiers of the pyramidIllustrative background for Tiers of the pyramid ?? "content

Tiers of the pyramid

  • At the base of the pyramid are all of the physiological needs that are necessary for survival.
  • These are followed by basic needs for security and safety, the need to be loved and to have a sense of belonging, and the need to have self-worth and confidence.
  • The top tier of the pyramid is self-actualisation, which is a need that essentially equates to achieving one’s full potential.
Illustrative background for Self-actualisationIllustrative background for Self-actualisation ?? "content

Self-actualisation

  • Self-actualisation can only be realised when needs lower on the pyramid have been met.
  • To Maslow and humanistic theorists, self-actualisation reflects the humanistic emphasis on positive aspects of human nature.
  • Maslow suggested that this is an ongoing, lifelong process and that only a small percentage of people actually achieve a self-actualised state.
Illustrative background for Characteristics of self-actualised peopleIllustrative background for Characteristics of self-actualised people ?? "content

Characteristics of self-actualised people

  • Maslow identified 15 characteristics:
    • They perceive reality efficiently and can tolerate uncertainty
    • Accept themselves and others for what they are
    • Spontaneous in thought and action
    • Problem centred (not self-centred)
    • Unusual sense of humour
    • Able to look at life objectively
    • Highly creative
    • Resistant to enculturation, but not purposely unconventional
Illustrative background for Self-actualised characteristicsIllustrative background for Self-actualised characteristics ?? "content

Self-actualised characteristics

  • Concerned for the welfare of humanity
  • Capable of deep appreciation of basic life-experiences.
  • Establish deep satisfying interpersonal relationships with a few people
  • Peak experiences
  • Need for privacy
  • Democratic attitudes
  • Strong moral/ethical standards
Illustrative background for Interaction of levelsIllustrative background for Interaction of levels ?? "content

Interaction of levels

  • According to Maslow (1943), one must satisfy lower-level needs before addressing those needs that happen higher in the pyramid.
  • So, for example, if someone is struggling to find enough food to meet his nutritional needs, it is quite unlikely that he would spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about whether others viewed him as a good person or not.
  • Instead, all of his energies would be geared toward finding something to eat.
Illustrative background for Criticism of Maslow's theoryIllustrative background for Criticism of Maslow's theory ?? "content

Criticism of Maslow's theory

  • Maslow’s theory has been criticised for its subjective nature and its inability to account for phenomena that happen in the real world.
  • Other research has more recently addressed that late in life, Maslow proposed a self-transcendence level above self-actualisation - to represent striving for meaning and purpose beyond the concerns of oneself.
Illustrative background for Examples of self-transcendence Illustrative background for Examples of self-transcendence  ?? "content

Examples of self-transcendence

  • There are many real life examples of self-transcendence.
  • For example, people may make self-sacrifices to make a political statement or to try to improve the conditions of others.
  • Mohandas K. Gandhi, a world-renowned advocate for independence through non-violent protest, went on hunger strikes on several occasions to protest a particular situation.
  • People may starve themselves or otherwise put themselves in danger, displaying higher-level motives beyond their own needs.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson