Humanistic view: Focuses on the potential for healthy personal growth Reaction against negativity of psychoanalysis and behavioral determinism Humanism and Personality Humanistic theory is not scientifically supported by research, but has been effective in therapy situations.

Abraham Maslow proposed that we are motivated by a hierarchy of needs Once our lower needs are met our concern shifts to having the higher needs met

Maslow studied a number of healthy, creative people. These folks were self-aware and self-accepting, secure in their sense of who they were. They had been moved by a spiritual or peak experience, and focused on something they considered their mission in life.

Carl Rogers & Person-centered perspective Believed people are basically good with self-actualizing tendencies. 3 things required for growth into one’s potential: Genuineness Acceptance Empathy

Carl Rogers and Self-Concept Self-actualizing tendency Self-concept Striving to fulfill innate capabilities Image of oneself that develops from interactions with significant people in one’s life Self: an individual's awareness of their own personal characteristics and level of functioning.

Unconditional positive regard: Positive regard that is given without conditions or strings attached Carl Rogers and Self-Concept Conditional positive regard: Positive regard that is given only when the person is doing what the providers of positive regard wish

Carl Rogers and Self-Concept Real self: One’s perception of actual characteristics, traits, and abilities Ideal self: What one should or would like to be IDEAL SELF REAL SELF Match = Harmony IDEAL SELF REAL SELF Mismatch = Anxiety

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspective Major influence on counseling, education, and child-raising. Promotes the importance of self-concept and self-esteem. Criticisms –Vague and subjective –Individualistic and Western biased –Naïve: fails to account for the human capacity for evil.