2.7.7 - Humanistic Approach
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Introduction to Humanistic Approach
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Today, we'll explore the Humanistic Approach in psychology, which emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. Notably, Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow contributed significantly to this perspective. Can anyone tell me what self-actualization means?
Isn't it about reaching your full potential and becoming what you are capable of?
Exactly! Self-actualization is the fulfillment of personal potential. Why do you think it's essential in life?
I think it helps people feel more satisfied and happy.
Great point! Happiness and satisfaction are often linked to achieving our true selves. Now, let's remember the acronym 'SELF' — S for Satisfaction, E for Empowerment, L for Learning, and F for Fulfillment. Any questions so far?
Carl Rogers' Concepts
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Now let’s dive into Carl Rogers' ideas. Who can explain what the real self and ideal self are?
The real self is how we actually see ourselves, while the ideal self is how we want to be.
Correct! Discrepancies between these selves can lead to unhappiness. What do you think fosters a healthy self-concept?
Unconditional positive regard from others?
Exactly, support and acceptance help us grow! Let's use 'P.U.R.E' — for Positive regard, Unconditional, Real self, and Engaged influence.
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
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Moving on to Maslow. Who can summarize his hierarchy of needs?
It starts from basic needs like food and safety to psychological needs, and finally self-actualization.
Exactly! Those lower-level needs must be met for individuals to pursue higher-level needs. Anyone have an example of self-actualization?
Artists achieving their full creative abilities!
Yes! Remember the acronym 'B.E.C.A.U.S.E' — Basic needs, Esteem, Creative, Autonomous, Unique, Safe, and Empowered. Any questions?
Environment and Growth
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Lastly, let's talk about the environment's role. What kind of environment promotes growth?
A supportive one with encouragement.
Correct! Negative environments can hinder growth. How can we cultivate a positive environment?
By showing unconditional love and acceptance!
Exactly! Let’s create a mnemonic 'CARE' for Cultivating Acceptance, Respect, and Encouragement.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
Rooted in the theories of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, the humanistic approach focuses on the subjective experiences of individuals, highlighting the importance of self-concept and the discrepancy between real and ideal selves, which influences individual happiness and fulfillment. This perspective encourages the development and enhancement of one's self-concept through unconditional positive regard and actualization of potential.
Detailed
Humanistic Approach
The humanistic approach in psychology arose as a reaction to the deterministic perspectives of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, asserting that individuals are inherently good and possess an innate drive for self-actualization. This orientation is primarily associated with the works of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
Key Concepts and Contributions of Carl Rogers
- Fully Functioning Person: Rogers described the 'fully functioning person' as one who is actively seeking to fulfill their potential and live an authentic life. He emphasized the importance of conditions of worth and unconditional positive regard in developing a healthy self-concept.
- Self-Concept: The self-concept consists of the real self (how one perceives oneself) and the ideal self (how one wishes to be). Discrepancies between these selves can lead to dissatisfaction and impede personal growth.
Key Concepts and Contributions of Abraham Maslow
- Hierarchy of Needs: Maslow proposed that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy that ranges from basic survival needs to the pursuit of self-actualization. As individuals satisfy lower-level needs, they can then focus on higher-level psychological needs.
- Self-Actualization: At the pinnacle of Maslow's hierarchy is self-actualization, which represents the fulfillment of personal potential and the realization of one's capabilities.
Interaction of Self-Concept and Personal Growth
Rogers noted that for individuals to thrive, they must have a supportive environment that provides them with unconditional positive regard, leading to a high self-esteem and a flexible self-concept. This supportive atmosphere allows for exploration and personal growth, which are essential for achieving self-actualization.
Ultimately, the humanistic approach emphasizes personal choice, self-efficacy, and the human capacity for growth and change.
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Introduction to Humanistic Approach
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
The humanistic theories are mainly developed in response to Freud’s theory. Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow have particularly contributed to the development of humanistic perspective on personality. We will briefly examine their theories.
Detailed Explanation
The humanistic approach to psychology arose as a reaction against the deterministic views of Freud's psychodynamic theory. It emphasizes individual potential and stresses the importance of personal growth. This approach values feelings and thoughts from the individual perspective, focusing on concepts like self-actualization. Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow are key figures in humanistic psychology, with Rogers proposing a person-centered therapy focusing on individual experiences and growth, while Maslow introduced a hierarchy of needs that highlights the progression towards self-actualization.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a seed planted in the soil. Just as a seed needs the right conditions—light, water, and nutrients—to grow into a plant, individuals require supportive environments to realize their full potential. In a nurturing environment, a person can flourish and achieve their goals, much like that seed growing into a healthy plant.
Carl Rogers and Fully Functioning Person
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
The most important idea proposed by Rogers is that of a fully functioning person. He believes that fulfilment is the motivating force for personality development. People try to express their capabilities, potentials and talents to the fullest extent possible.
Detailed Explanation
Rogers emphasizes that a fully functioning person is someone who is not constrained by societal expectations but is true to their experiences and feelings. Fulfillment comes from realizing one's own potential and embracing personal growth. Rogers argues that when individuals accept themselves as they are and align their real self with their ideal self, they achieve a state of happiness and well-being.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a person who loves painting but works in a corporate job. If they dedicate time to painting while balancing their career, they are practicing self-actualization. When they accept their passion and weave it into their life, they become a fully functioning individual, realizing their full potential as both an artist and a professional.
Self-Actualization and Hierarchy of Needs
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Maslow has given a detailed account of psychologically healthy people in terms of their attainment of self-actualisation, a state in which people have reached their own fullest potential.
Detailed Explanation
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theoretical framework that categorizes human needs into five levels, starting from basic physiological needs at the bottom to self-actualization at the top. He explains that individuals must satisfy lower-order needs, such as safety and belonging, to be motivated to seek higher-order needs like esteem and self-actualization. Only when these foundational needs are met can a person strive for personal growth and realize their full capabilities.
Examples & Analogies
Consider an individual who dreams of becoming a musician. They first need to have a safe environment (stability), supportive relationships (belonging), and recognition (esteem) before they can fully focus on honing their musical talent and achieving their dream. Without fulfilling these earlier needs, it would be challenging to pursue their passion genuinely.
Characteristics of Healthy Personality
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
The humanistic theorists have indicated that healthy personality lies in not mere adjustment to society. It involves a quest to know oneself deeply and to be true to one’s own feelings without disguise, and to be oneself in the here-and-now.
Detailed Explanation
The humanistic approach posits that true health stems from self-awareness and authenticity—understanding one's own feelings, strengths, and weaknesses. This involves living in the moment (being present), rather than being constrained by past experiences or future anxieties. Healthy individuals strive for personal growth and authenticity rather than merely conforming to societal norms or expectations.
Examples & Analogies
Picture a person who decides to pursue a career in dance despite societal pressure to choose a ‘stable’ job. This person knows their true passion, embraces it, and works towards it, showing their commitment to authenticity. Their fulfillment from pursuing their passion signifies a healthy personality, as they are not swayed by the expectations of others.
Key Concepts
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Fully Functioning Person: Rogers described the 'fully functioning person' as one who is actively seeking to fulfill their potential and live an authentic life. He emphasized the importance of conditions of worth and unconditional positive regard in developing a healthy self-concept.
-
Self-Concept: The self-concept consists of the real self (how one perceives oneself) and the ideal self (how one wishes to be). Discrepancies between these selves can lead to dissatisfaction and impede personal growth.
-
Key Concepts and Contributions of Abraham Maslow
-
Hierarchy of Needs: Maslow proposed that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy that ranges from basic survival needs to the pursuit of self-actualization. As individuals satisfy lower-level needs, they can then focus on higher-level psychological needs.
-
Self-Actualization: At the pinnacle of Maslow's hierarchy is self-actualization, which represents the fulfillment of personal potential and the realization of one's capabilities.
-
Interaction of Self-Concept and Personal Growth
-
Rogers noted that for individuals to thrive, they must have a supportive environment that provides them with unconditional positive regard, leading to a high self-esteem and a flexible self-concept. This supportive atmosphere allows for exploration and personal growth, which are essential for achieving self-actualization.
-
Ultimately, the humanistic approach emphasizes personal choice, self-efficacy, and the human capacity for growth and change.
Examples & Applications
An artist achieving personal and creative goals embodies self-actualization.
A supportive friend who encourages honesty and growth demonstrates unconditional positive regard.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Self-actualization is the goal; fulfill your potential to feel whole.
Stories
Once upon a time, a young artist learned to embrace their true self and painted their dreams into a colorful reality, finding fulfillment and joy.
Memory Tools
Remember 'CARE' - Cultivating Acceptance, Respect, and Encouragement for personal growth.
Acronyms
Use 'P.U.R.E.' for Positive regard, Unconditional, Real self, and Engaged influence.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- SelfActualization
The realization of one's potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
- Real Self
The self-concept representing how a person perceives themselves at any given moment.
- Ideal Self
The self-concept that reflects how a person would like to be, incorporating their aspirations and goals.
- Unconditional Positive Regard
An attitude of total acceptance toward another person, promoting a healthy self-concept.
- Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's theory that human needs are structured in a hierarchy from physiological needs to self-actualization.
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