1. Chapter 19: Freudian & Humanistic Theories
Introduction to Psychology
Virginia Union University

2. Freud’s Theory as it would be applied Today
Too comprehensive
Theories can explain all aspects of behavior, but they cover too much to reliably predict behavior
Difficult to test
Some aspects (e.g. id being the source of energy & the Oedipus complex) are difficult to test, but other (e.g. influence of unconscious forces & long-term effects of early childhood) are easier to test & have received support
Must be updated
Including things like genetic factors and brain development as influential
How important are the 1st 5 years?
Freud concluded that personality development is complete after the 1st 5 years. Research on resilient children (children who beat the odds) & longitudinal studies (studies tracking people over time) show the opposite to be true

3. Freud’s Theory as it would be applied Today
Are there Unconscious Forces?
Much of what we do occurs outside of our awareness.
Implicit (Nondeclarative) Memories
Learning without awareness, such as occurs in experiencing emotional situations or acquiring motor habits
Example: typing the phrase “most zebras cannot be extravagant” & recalling the 7 letters of the alphabet that appear at the bottom row of the keyboard
Strong evidence for the influence of unconscious forces
What was Freud’s Impact?
Freud’s theory has had an enormous impact on society and the field of Psychology. Aspects of his theories are still in practice today

4. The Story of Cupcake Brown

5. Humanistic Theories
Emphasize our capacity for personal growth, development of our potential, and freedom to choose our destiny

6. 3 Characteristics of Humanistic Theories
Phenomenological Perspective
your perception or view of the world, whether or not it is accurate, becomes your reality
Holistic View
a person’s personality is more than the sum of the individual parts; instead, the individual parts form a unique & total entity that functions as a unit
3. Self-Actualization
our inherent tendency to develop and reach our true potentials

7. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s humanistic theory emphasized
Our capacity for growth, or self actualization, and
Our desire to satisfy a variety of needs
According to Maslow, you must satisfy your biological and safety needs before using energy to fulfill your personal and social needs
Needs can be divided into 2 categories
Deficiency needs
Physiological needs (e.g., food, sleep) and psychological needs (e.g., safety, love, esteem) that we try to fulfill if they are not met
Growth needs
Those that are at the higher levels and include the desire for truth, goodness, beauty, and justice
Deficiency needs must be satisfied before we have the time and energy to satisfy our growth needs and move towards self actualization

9. Self Actualization
The development & fulfillment of one’s unique human potential
Self Actualized Individuals were able to reach this goal because they developed the following traits
Perceive reality accurately
Are independent & autonomous
Prefer to have deep, loving relationships with only a few people
Focus on accomplishing their goals
Report peak experiences, which are moments of great joy & satisfaction
Maslow believed that although very few people become self actualized, everyone has a self-actualizing tendency

10. Self/Self-Actualization Theory
Carl Rogers
Abandoned the psychodynamic approach in favor of a humanistic approach called self-theory, because of the emphasis on the self and self-concept
Self (Self-Actualization) Theory
Based on 2 major assumptions
Personality development is guided by each person’s unique self-actualization tendency
Each of us has a personal need for positive regard
Self-actualization Tendency
The inborn tendency for us to develop all of our capacities in ways that best maintain and benefit our lives
Guides us towards positive rather than negative behaviors
Relates to biological and psychological functions

11. Self/Self-Actualization Theory
Self or Self-Concept
How we see ourselves
The self is made up of many self-perceptions, abilities, personality characteristics, and behaviors that are organized and consistent with one another
Our self-concept influences our behaviors, feelings and thoughts
Positive self concept
Act, feel and think optimistically and constructively
Negative self concept
Act, feel and think pessimistically and destructively

12. Real Vs. Ideal Self There are two kinds of selves
The Real Self
According to Rogers, based on our actual experiences and represents how we really see ourselves
The Ideal Self
According to Rogers, based on our hopes and wishes and reflects how we would like to see ourselves
Contradictions between the real and ideal self can result in personality problems
Contradictions can be resolved by paying more attention to our actual experiences, working to have more positive experiences, and by paying less attention to the expectations of others

13. Positive Regard
Dog owners appreciate the love that their dogs show them
Health benefits in owning a pet (i.e., lowered stress levels and blood pressure)
We all have the need to feel appreciated
Positive Regard
Includes love, sympathy, warmth, acceptance, and respect, which we crave from family, friends and people who are important to us
Seen as essential to the healthy development of one’s self & for successful interpersonal relationships

14. Conditional & Unconditional Positive Regard
Positive regard we receive if we behave in certain acceptable ways, such as living up to or meeting the standards of others
Unconditional Positive Regard
Warmth, acceptance, and love that others show you because you are valued as a human being, even though you may disappoint people by behaving in ways that are different from their standards or values or the way they think
Rogers believed that development of a healthy & positive self-concept depends on receiving as much unconditional positive regard as possible

15. Evaluation of Humanistic Theories
Impact
Humanistic theories have had the greatest impact in counseling, clinical settings, and personal growth programs
Have proven useful in developing healthy personalities & interpersonal relationships
Widespread in the field of Positive Psychology
Criticisms
Criticized because no scientific evidence was provided to prove the inherent tendency for self-actualization really existed
Describe behaviors rather than predict behaviors?
Ignores the influence of genetic factors