5.1.14

Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)

Test yourself on Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)

Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Humanism

The humanistic approach emphasises individual experience and personal choice. It takes a generally positive view of human behaviour, assuming that people have the potential to develop and improve themselves.

Humanism

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.
Free will

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.
Self-actualisation and congruence

Self-actualisation and 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.
Conditions of worth

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.
  • Conditions of worth can affect self-concept if a person feels they must meet others’ expectations instead of acting freely.
Unconditional positive regard

Unconditional positive regard

  • Unconditional positive regard is when a person receives love and support no matter how they behave.
  • Unconditional positive regard encourages the development of a positive self-concept.
Abraham Maslow

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.

Tiers of the pyramid

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.
Self-actualisation

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.
Characteristics of self-actualised people

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
Self-actualised characteristics

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
Interaction of levels

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.
Criticism of Maslow's theory

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.
Examples of self-transcendence

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
1

Social Influence

1.1

Social Influence

1.1.1Conformity1.1.2Jenness' Conformity Study1.1.3Asch (1951)1.1.4Sherif (1935)1.1.5Conformity to Social Roles1.1.6End of Topic Test - Conformity1.1.7Obedience1.1.8Analysing Milgram's Experiment1.1.9Agentic State & Legitimate Authority1.1.10Variables of Obedience1.1.11Resistance to Social Influence1.1.12Minority Influence & Social Change1.1.13Minority Influence & Social Impact Theory1.1.14End of Topic Test - Social Influences1.1.15Exam-Style Question - Conformity1.1.16Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Social Influence
2

Memory

2.1

Memory

2.1.1Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.2Short-Term vs Long-Term Memory2.1.3Support for the Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.4Duration Studies2.1.5Capacity Studies2.1.6Coding Studies2.1.7The Working Memory Model2.1.8The Working Memory Model 22.1.9Support for the Working Memory Model2.1.10Explanations for Forgetting2.1.11Studies on Interference2.1.12Cue-Dependent Forgetting2.1.13Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus & Palmer2.1.14Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus2.1.15Eyewitness Testimony - Post-Event Discussion2.1.16Eyewitness Testimony - Age & Anxiety2.1.17Cognitive Interview2.1.18Cognitive Interview - Geiselman & Fisher2.1.19End of Topic Test - Memory2.1.20Exam-Style Question - Memory
3

Attachment

3.1

Attachment

3.1.1The Concept of Attachment3.1.2Animal Studies of Attachment3.1.3Explanations of Attachment3.1.4Attachment Types - Strange Situation3.1.5Cultural Differences in Attachment3.1.6Disruption of Attachment3.1.7Disruption of Attachment - Privation3.1.8Overcoming the Effects of Disruption3.1.9The Effects of Institutionalisation3.1.10Early Attachment3.1.11Critical Period of Attachment3.1.12End of Topic Test - Attachment3.1.13Exam-Style Question - Attachment3.1.14Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Attachment
4

Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

4.1

Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

4.1.1Deviation from Social Norms4.1.2Deviation from Social Norms 24.1.3Phobias, Depression & OCD4.1.4Phobias: Behavioural Approach4.1.5Evaluation of Behavioural Explanations of Phobias4.1.6Depression: Cognitive Approach4.1.7OCD: Biological Approach4.1.8Evidence for the Biological Approach4.1.9End of Topic Test - Psychopathy4.1.10Exam-Style Question - Phobias4.1.11Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Psychopathology4.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Phobia vs Fear4.1.13Diagnostic Misconceptions - Depression & Self-Harm4.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Desensitisation
5

Approaches in Psychology

5.1

Approaches in Psychology

5.1.1The Behaviourist Approach - Classical Conditioning5.1.2Pavlov's Experiment5.1.3Little Albert Study5.1.4The Behaviourist Approach - Operant Conditioning5.1.5Social Learning Theory5.1.6The Cognitive Approach 15.1.7The Cognitive Approach 25.1.8The Biological Approach5.1.9The Biological Approach 25.1.10Gottesman (1991) - Twin Studies5.1.11Brain Scanning5.1.12Structure of Personality & Little Hans5.1.13The Psychodynamic Approach (A2 only)5.1.14Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)5.1.15Aronoff (1957) (A2 Only)5.1.16End of Topic Test - Approaches
5.2

Comparison of Approaches (A2 only)

5.2.1Psychodynamic Approach5.2.2Cognitive Approach5.2.3Biological Approach5.2.4Behavioural Approach5.2.5End of Topic Test - Comparison of Approaches
6

Biopsychology

6.1

Biopsychology

6.1.1Nervous System Divisions6.1.2Neuron Structure & Function6.1.3Neurotransmitters6.1.4Endocrine System Function6.1.5Fight or Flight Response6.1.6The Brain (A2 only)6.1.7Localisation of Brain Function (A2 only)6.1.8Studying the Brain (A2 only)6.1.9CIMT (A2 Only) & Postmortem6.1.10Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Biopsychology6.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Plasticity & Recovery6.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Endogenous Pacemakers6.1.13End of Topic Test - Biopsychology
7

Research Methods

7.1

Research Methods

7.1.1Experimental Method7.1.2Observational Techniques7.1.3Covert, Overt & Controlled Observation7.1.4Self-Report Techniques7.1.5Correlations7.1.6Exam-Style Question - Research Methods7.1.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Sign Test7.1.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Content & Thematic7.1.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Valid vs Reliable7.1.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Confounding Variable7.1.11End of Topic Test - Research Methods
7.2

Scientific Processes

7.2.1Aims, Hypotheses & Sampling7.2.2Pilot Studies & Design7.2.3Questionnaires7.2.4Variables & Control7.2.5Demand Characteristics & Investigator Effects7.2.6Ethics7.2.7Limitations of Ethical Guidelines7.2.8Consent & Protection from Harm Studies7.2.9Peer Review & The Economy7.2.10Validity (A2 only)7.2.11Reliability (A2 only)7.2.12Features of Science (A2 only)7.2.13Paradigms & Falsifiability (A2 only)7.2.14Scientific Report (A2 only)7.2.15Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)7.2.16End of Topic Test - Scientific
7.3

Data Handling & Analysis

7.3.1Types of Data7.3.2Descriptive Statistics7.3.3Correlation7.3.4Evaluation of Descriptive Statistics7.3.5Presentation & Display of Data7.3.6Levels of Measurement (A2 only)7.3.7Coding in Content Analysis (A2 only)7.3.8Case Studies (A2 only)7.3.9End of Topic Test - Data Handling
7.4

Inferential Testing

7.4.1Introduction to Inferential Testing7.4.2Sign Test7.4.3Piaget Conservation Experiment7.4.4Non-Parametric Tests
8

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

8.1

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

8.1.1Culture Bias8.1.2Sub-Culture Bias8.1.3Gender Bias8.1.4Ethnocentrism8.1.5Cross Cultural Research8.1.6Free Will & Determinism8.1.7Comparison of Free Will & Determinism8.1.8Reductionism & Holism8.1.9Reductionist & Holistic Approaches8.1.10Nature-Nurture Debate8.1.11Interactionist Approach8.1.12Nature-Nurture Methods8.1.13Nature-Nurture Approaches8.1.14Idiographic & Nomothetic Approaches8.1.15Socially Sensitive Research8.1.16End of Topic Test - Issues and Debates
9

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

9.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

9.1.1Factors Affecting Attraction: Self-Disclosure9.1.2Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory9.1.3Factors Affecting Attraction: Physical Attributes9.1.4Matching Hypothesis Studies9.1.5Factors Affecting Physical Attraction9.1.6Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 19.1.7Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 29.1.8Evaluation of Filter Theory9.1.9End of Topic Test - Relationships
9.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

9.2.1Social Exchange Theory9.2.2Evaluation of Social Exchange Theory9.2.3Equity Theory9.2.4Evaluation of Equity Theory9.2.5Rusbult’s Investment Model9.2.6Evaluation of Rusbult's Investment Model9.2.7Relationship Breakdown9.2.8Studies on Relationship Breakdown9.2.9Evaluation of Relationship Breakdown9.2.10End of Topic Test - Romantic relationships
9.3

Relationships: Online (A2 only)

9.3.1Online Relationships9.3.2Evaluation of Reduced Cues & Hyperpersonal9.3.3Self Disclosure in Online Relationships9.3.4Parasocial Relationships9.3.5Attachment Theory & Parasocial Relationships9.3.6Evaluation of Parasocial Relationship Theories9.3.7End of Topic Test - Online Relationships
10

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

10.1

Gender (A2 only)

10.1.1Biological Sex10.1.2The Role of Hormones in Biological Sex10.1.3Biological Explanations of Gender Development10.1.4Gender Identities & BSRI10.1.5Kohlberg’s Theory of Gender Constancy10.1.6Evaluation of Kohlberg's Theory10.1.7Gender Schema Theory10.1.8Social Approach to Gender Development10.1.9Criticisms of Social Theory10.1.10Media Influence on Gender Development10.1.11Gender Incongruence10.1.12End of Topic Test - Gender
11

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

11.1

Cognition & Development (A2 only)

11.1.1Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development 111.1.2Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development 211.1.3Schema Accommodation Assimilation & Equilibration11.1.4Piaget & Inhelder’s Three Mountains Task (1956)11.1.5Conservation & Class Inclusion11.1.6Evaluation of Piaget11.1.7Vygotsky11.1.8Evaluation of Vygotsky11.1.9Baillargeon11.1.10Baillargeon's studies11.1.11Evaluation of Baillargeon11.1.12Sense of Self & Theory of Mind11.1.13Baron-Cohen Studies11.1.14Selman’s Five Levels of Perspective Taking11.1.15Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.16Evaluation of Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.17Issues in Social Neuroscience11.1.18Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Cognition & Development11.1.19End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 111.1.20End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 211.1.21End of Topic Test - Cognition 3
12

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

12.1

Schizophrenia: Diagnosis (A2 only)

12.1.1Symptoms of Schizophrenia12.1.2Issues in Diagnosis12.1.3Pinto (2017) & Copeland (1971)12.1.4End of Topic Test - Schizophrenia
12.2

Schizophrenia: Treatment (A2 only)

12.2.1Family-Based Psychological Explanations12.2.2Evaluation of Family-Based Explanations12.2.3Cognitive Explanations12.2.4Drug Therapies12.2.5Evaluation of Drug Therapies12.2.6Biological Explanations for Schizophrenia12.2.7Dopamine Hypothesis12.2.8Psychological Therapies 112.2.9Psychological Therapies 212.2.10Interactionist Approach - Diathesis-Stress Model12.2.11Interactionist Approach - Triggers & Treatment12.2.12Evaluation of the Interactionist Approach12.2.13Evaluation of Psychological Therapies12.2.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - CBT & CBTp12.2.15End of Topic Test - Treatments 112.2.16End of Topic Test - Treatments 2
13

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

13.1

Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

13.1.1Explanations for Food Preferences13.1.2Birch et al (1987) & Lowe et al (2004)13.1.3Control of Eating Behaviours13.1.4Control of Eating Behaviour: Leptin13.1.5Biological Explanations for Anorexia Nervosa13.1.6Psychological Explanations: Family Systems Theory13.1.7Psychological Explanations: Social Learning Theory13.1.8Psychological Explanations: Cognitive Theory13.1.9Biological Explanations for Obesity13.1.10Biological Explanations: Studies13.1.11Psychological Explanations13.1.12Psychological Explanations: Studies13.1.13End of Topic Test - Eating Behaviour
14

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

14.1

Stress (A2 only)

14.1.1Physiology of Stress14.1.2Role of Stress in Illness14.1.3Role of Stress in Illness: Studies14.1.4Social Readjustment Rating Scales14.1.5Hassles & Uplifts Scales14.1.6Stress, Workload & Control14.1.7Stress Level Studies14.1.8Physiological Measures of Stress14.1.9Individual Differences14.1.10Stress & Gender14.1.11Drug Therapy & Biofeedback for Stress14.1.12Stress Inoculation Therapy14.1.13Social Support & Stress14.1.14End of Topic Test - Stress 114.1.15End of Topic Test - Stress 2
15

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

15.1

Aggression: Physiological (A2 only)

15.1.1Neural Mechanisms15.1.2Serotonin15.1.3Hormonal Mechanisms15.1.4Genetic Factors15.1.5Genetic Factors 215.1.6Ethological Explanation15.1.7Innate Releasing Mechanisms & Fixed Action Pattern15.1.8Evolutionary Explanations15.1.9Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy15.1.10Evaluation of Evolutionary Explanations15.1.11End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 115.1.12End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 2
15.2

Aggression: Social Psychological (A2 only)

15.2.1Social Psychological Explanation15.2.2Buss (1963) - Frustration/Aggression15.2.3Social Psychological Explanation 215.2.4Social Learning Theory (SLT) 115.2.5Social Learning Theory (SLT) 215.2.6Limitations of Social Learning Theory (SLT)15.2.7Deindividuation15.2.8Deindividuation 215.2.9Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)15.2.10End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology15.2.11Institutional Aggression: Prisons15.2.12Evaluation of Dispositional & Situational15.2.13Influence of Computer Games15.2.14Influence of Television15.2.15Evaluation of Studies on Media15.2.16Desensitisation & Disinhibition15.2.17Cognitive Priming15.2.18End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology
16

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

16.1

Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

16.1.1Defining Crime16.1.2Measuring Crime16.1.3Offender Profiling16.1.4Evaluation of Offender Profiling16.1.5John Duffy Case Study16.1.6Biological Explanations 116.1.7Biological Explanations 216.1.8Evaluation- Biological Explanations16.1.9Cognitive Explanations16.1.10Moral Reasoning16.1.11Differential Association Theory16.1.12Custodial Sentencing16.1.13Effects of Prison16.1.14Evaluation of the Effects of Prison16.1.15Behavioural Treatments & Therapies16.1.16Effectiveness of Behavioural Treatments16.1.17Restorative Justice16.1.18End of Topic Test - Forensic 116.1.19End of Topic Test - Forensic 2
17

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

17.1

Addiction (A2 only)

17.1.1Definition17.1.2Brain Neurochemistry Explanation17.1.3Learning Theory Explanation17.1.4Evaluation of a Learning Theory17.1.5Cognitive Bias17.1.6Griffiths on Cognitive Bias17.1.7Evaluation of Cognitive Theory (A2 only)17.1.8Gambling Addiction & Learning Theory17.1.9Social Influences on Addiction 117.1.10Social Influences on Addiction 217.1.11Personal Influences on Addiction17.1.12Genetic Explanations of Addiction17.1.13End of Topic Test - Addiction 117.1.14End of Topic Test - Addiction 2
17.2

Treating Addiction (A2 only)

17.2.1Drug Therapy17.2.2Behavioural Interventions17.2.3Cognitive Behavioural Therapy17.2.4Six Stage Model of Behaviour Change17.2.5End of Topic Test - Treating

Practice questions on Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    Select the correct statements about the humanistic approach:True / false
  2. 2
    Who was the famous American humanist known for proposing the hierarchy of human needs? Multiple choice
  3. 3
    Select the correct answers about the hierarchy of needs:True / false
  4. 4
    The Hierarchy of Human NeedsPut in order
  5. 5
    Who was the famous American humanist known for proposing the hierarchy of human needs? Multiple choice
Answer all questions on Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium

The Psychodynamic Approach (A2 only)

Aronoff (1957) (A2 Only)