Humanistic Perspective By the 1960s, psychologists became discontent with Freud’s negativity and the mechanistic psychology of the behaviorists. Abraham Maslow ( ) Carl Rogers ( )

Self-Actualizing Person Maslow proposed that we as individuals are motivated by a hierarchy of needs. Beginning with physiological needs, we try to reach the state of self-actualization—fulfilling our potential. Ted Polumbaum/ Time Pix/ Getty Images

Maslow’s Self-Actualization Studied healthy successful people Common characteristics: self-aware, self-accepting, open, spontaneous, loving, caring not influenced/affected by the opinions of others Strong identity, problem-centered not self-centered Few deep relationships instead of many “light” ones

Growth and Fulfillment Carl Rogers also believed in an individual's self- actualization tendencies. He said that Unconditional Positive Regard is an attitude of acceptance of others despite their failings. Michael Rougier/ Life Magazine © Time Warner, Inc.

Rogers’ Person-Centered Three conditions promoting personal growth Genuine Open with feelings and ideas Acceptance Unconditional positive regard: acceptance, faults and all Empathy Recognizing and mirroring a person’s emotions Self-concept – “Who am I?” Positive = happy, secure (close to ideal self) Negative = dissatisfied and unhappy (lot of work to do)

Evaluating the Humanistic Approach Positives Have effected counseling, education, parenting, and management People are recognizing the importance of self-concept and self-esteem Negatives Ideas are vague & subjective Maslow’s self-actualization would be different if based on others Pushes individual needs over group needs Ignores the possibility that humans may have “evil” tendencies