The Humanistic Perspective Chapter 13, Lecture 3 “Genuineness, acceptance, and empathy are the water, sun, and nutrients that enable people to grow like vigorous oak trees, according to Rogers.” - David Myers

Humanistic Perspective By the 1960s, psychologists became discontent with Freud’s negativity and the mechanistic psychology of the behaviorists. Preview Question 6: How did humanistic psychologists view personality, and what was their goal in studying personality? Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

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

Obstacles to Self-Actualization If the tendency toward self-actualization is innate, why are not more adults self-actualized? Maslow estimated that only one percent are. He offered four basic explanations for this low number: 1. Self-actualization is at the top of the motivational hierarchy. This makes it the weakest of all needs and the most easily impeded. Maslow wrote, “This inner nature is not strong and overpowering and unmistakable like the instincts of animals. It is weak and delicate and subtle and easily overcome by habit, cultural pressure, and wrong attitudes toward it.”

Obstacles to Self-Actualization If the tendency toward self-actualization is innate, why are not more adults self-actualized? Maslow estimated that only one percent are. He offered four basic explanations for this low number: 2. Maslow identified the Jonah complex as another obstacle to self-actualization. We fear and doubt our own abilities and potentialities. To become self-actualized, one must have enough courage to sacrifice safety for personal growth. Too often, fear takes precedence over the challenge of self-actualization.

Obstacles to Self-Actualization If the tendency toward self-actualization is innate, why are not more adults self-actualized? Maslow estimated that only one percent are. He offered four basic explanations for this low number: 3. The cultural environment may also stifle self-actualization by imposing certain norms on major segments of the population. Definitions of “manliness” may prevent the male child from developing traits such as sympathy, kindness, and tenderness, all of which characterize the self-actualized person.

Obstacles to Self-Actualization If the tendency toward self-actualization is innate, why are not more adults self-actualized? Maslow estimated that only one percent are. He offered four basic explanations for this low number: 4. Childhood experiences may inhibit personal growth. Maslow observed that children from warm, secure, friendly homes are more likely to choose experiences that lead to personal growth. Excessive control and coddling is obviously harmful but so is excessive permissiveness. Too much freedom in childhood can lead to anxiety and insecurity, which can prevent further growth. Maslow called for “freedom within limits” in which there is the right mixture of permissiveness and regulation.

Person-Centered Perspective 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.

Assessing the Self In an effort to assess personality, Rogers asked people to describe themselves as they would like to be (ideal) and as they actually are (real). If the two descriptions were close the individual had a positive self-concept. Preview Question 7: How did humanistic psychologists assess a person’s sense of self? All of our thoughts and feelings about ourselves, in an answer to the question, “Who am I?” refers to Self-Concept.

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspective Humanistic psychology has a pervasive impact on counseling, education, child-rearing, and management with its emphasis on a positive self-concept, empathy, and the thought that people are basically good and can improve. Preview Question 8: How has the humanistic perspective influenced psychology? What criticisms has it faced?

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspective Criticisms Concepts in humanistic psychology are vague and subjective and lack scientific basis. The individualism encouraged can lead to self-indulgence, selfishness, and an erosion of moral restraints. Humanistic psychology fails to appreciate the reality of our human capacity for evil. It lacks adequate balance between realistic optimism and despair.

Homework Study! “Humanistic psychology, say the critics, encourages the needed hope but not the equally necessary realism about evil.” - David Myers