Humanistic Approach to Personality Mr. Koch AP Psychology Forest Lake High School

Humanistic Perspective Personality develops through an actualizing tendency that unfolds with each person’s unique perceptions of the world – People naturally inclined toward goodness, creativity, love, and joy

Carl Rogers “Actualizing tendency” Innate inclination toward growth that motivates all people Key elements are theory of “self” and desire for “positive regard” – Evaluations by self and others may be “congruent” or “incongruent” – Influences “self-concept” (way one thinks of oneself) Unconditional vs. conditional positive regard

Abraham Maslow Actualization is not just a capacity, but a need – Most do not reach because distracted by lower needs “Deficiency orientation” – Preoccupation with perceived needs for things a person does not have “Growth orientation” – Tendency to draw satisfaction from what is available in life

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs