Humanistic And Psychodynamic Approach

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Humanistic Perspective is a historically significant perspective that emphasizes the growth potential of healthy people. It uses personalized methods to study personality in hopes of fostering personal growth.

What are the key concepts associated with the most important theories within the humanistic/phenomenological perspective?
The key concepts are Maslow’s concept of self-actualization and Roger’s concept of unconditional positive regard.
In Maslow’s self-actualization concept, we, humans, seek to fulfill our potential. According to Maslow, self-actualization is the ultimate psychological need that arises after the basic physical and psychological needs are met and self-esteem is achieved.
Roger’s concept adds that people nurture our growth …show more content…

These theorists emphasized seeing the world through the person’s eyes rather than the researcher’s eyes.
Which concepts have been tested empirically? How valid are these concepts in explaining behavior?
Humanistic psychologists tested personality by asking people to fill out questionnaires that would assess self-concept. The people would compare their ideal self with their actual self. This does not fully explain behavior because it forces the subject to respond to narrow categories. Others believe that only through interviews and personal conversations would we understand a person's personality.
What are the presupposed views of human nature?
According to the capitalist Marx, human beings are fundamentally greedy, egocentric beings who can only be compelled to act with the promise of profit. The belief is that free market capitalism is a natural by product of greed, a Darwinist idea of thirst for materialistic gain, and any economy that chooses to do about otherwise will fall into corruption. However over the years, various historians and challenged to believe that human nature is in fact social and that we depend on others for our own well being. We do not cling to each other in means of exploitation, but to fulfill everyone’s common …show more content…

Humanism, however, rejects the assumptions of the behaviorist perspective which is focused on the stimulus response behavior and heavily dependent on animal research.
Which research methodologies does the humanistic/phenomenological perspective favor?
The research methodologies favored by humanistic/phenomenological perspectives include interviews and intimate conversation. The reason for this is that it would provide a better understanding of each person's unique experience. This is favored over standardized assessments of personality, as it is depersonalizing, as you are forced to respond to narrow categories.
What are the inherent strengths and weaknesses of the humanistic/phenomenological perspective?
the strengths of humanistic/phenomenological perspective are that it deals with both the positive nature of humankind as well as the free will associated with change. It also is beneficial in the way that the aspects of this theory come together easily to make a successful approach to an issue. Lastly, humanism carries on to other professions, giving one a variety of opportunities. The weakness is the lack of concrete treatment; this means that it is hard to both develop a treatment technique and study the effectiveness of it. Humanistic perspective also does not help people with severe personality

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