Humanistic Approach

The Humanistic Approach: (A01/assumptions)

• Humanistic psychology is known as the 'third force' 
• Humanistic psychology believes that people are essentially self-determining & therefore widely believe in the concept that humans have free will
• The approach also believes that because everyone is unique, psychology should be concerned with subjective experiences and not general laws
• A 'person centred' approach]
• Every person has an 'innate tendency' to achieve their full potential, to become the best they possibly can
• Self actualisation is the ultimate goal
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a key element
• The hierarchy of needs consists of 5 elements;

-Self Actualisation (1)

-Self-esteem

-Love 

-Security 

-Physiological needs (5)

• All 4 lower levels of the hierarchy must be met before the individual can work towards self actualisation
• Humanistic psychologists regard personal growth as an essential part of what it is to be human
• Rogers argued that for personal growth to be achieved an individuals 'concept of self' must have congruence with their ideal self 
• Concept of self is the way a person sees themselves
• Ideal self refers to the person in which they want to be
• …