Humanistic Personality Theories AP Psychology Humanistic Personality Theories

Humanistic Perspective A perspective that focuses on the study of conscious experience and the individual’s self awareness and freedom to choose. Interested in the capacity for personal growth & self-fulfillment with an emphasis on human potential. Sees people as innately good. Studies fulfilled and healthy individuals rather than troubled people Felt other theories were too deterministic and denied the importance of free will

Abraham Maslow Self-Actualization

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) Humanistic psychologist who developed the hierarchy of needs Believed that self-actualization is the ultimate psychological need of reaching one’s potential.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow: Self-Actualization According to Maslow, the need to live up to one’s fullest and unique potential Characteristics include: Self aware and self accepting Open, spontaneous, loving, and caring Not paralyzed by other’s opinions Focused on a particular task

Another Way to Think about the Hierarchy of Needs

Development of Personality Carl Rogers

Carl Rogers-Development of Personality Actualizing tendency—the most basic human motive that is the innate drive to maintain and enhance the ourselves

Actualizing tendency An example of the actualizing tendency is the “little voice” within us to try harder and never give up.

Actualizing tendency Some people believe that competitiveness cannot be taught; but rather is something that resides inside a person. In other words, it is something you are born with, or is innate.

Self-concept—how you think about yourself Carl Rogers Self-concept—how you think about yourself Affected by…. Positive regard—conditional and unconditional – the sense of be loved and valued by other people.

Conditional Positive Regard Person is valued and loved only when the he/she behaves in a way that is acceptable to others. I will love you IF you get good grades.

conditional Positive Regard will help to create… Can lead to incongruence – a state in which a child’s self-concept conflicts with their own experience.

Unconditional Positive Regard An attitude of total acceptance toward another person despite their faults and failings This is needed for one to grow up healthy and be congruent. Based on genuineness & empathy

Unconditional Positive Regard will help to create… Congruence – A person’s sense of self is consistent with their emotions & experiences. Your real self is similar to your ideal self

Comparing Rogers to Freud Carl Rogers Sigmund Freud Viewed people as positive, forward-moving, constructive, realistic and trustworthy. People are innately good Humans will choose to act in ways that serve to improve society and perpetuate the human race. Pessimistically viewed humans as hostile, antisocial, destructive & evil We need society restraints/laws to keep humans in line and prevent the destruction of the human race.

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspective

Humanism has influenced therapy, child-rearing, and the workplace Evaluating Humanism Humanism has influenced therapy, child-rearing, and the workplace Laid the foundation for positive psychology – studying what is right about people

Criticisms of Humanism Difficult to test or validate scientifically Tends to be too optimistic Has a hard time explaining some of the more destructive aspects of human nature wars & human cruelty