Introduction to the Humanistic Approach

Introduction to the Humanistic Approach

Þ Each individual is unique

Þ What matters is each person's subjective view not objective reality.

Þ Reality is defined by the individual's perspective, which is based

on their personal unique experiences of life.

Þ Each individual strives to maximise their potential

(self-actualisation) and should be responsible for their lives (free

will).

Þ Human nature is inherently good and self-righting

History of the Humanistic Approach

==================================

Þ Humanistic Psychology is derived from the wider principals of

humanism.

Þ Humanism is a shared belief in human worth and argues that

subjectivity is truth (Kierkegaard).

Þ Humanism originated in the fourteenth-century writings of Petarch.

Þ Humanism is described as 'value systems that emphasise the personal

worth of each individual but do not include a belief in God'.

The Third Force

===============

Þ The psychological humanistic perspective was bought about in the

1950s as a welcomed counterpoint to the other orientations in

Psychology (behaviourist and psychoanalysis)

Þ What differentiates this theory to the other two 'forces in

psychology' is that it is neither scientific nor deterministic.

Þ Unlike behaviourists and psychoanalysis, humanistic psychologist

attribute personality and behaviour is the responsibility of the

individual as it is them who are in control rather than being

controlled by external forces.

Carl Rogers

===========

Þ Carl Rogers published Client-centred therapy in 1951, it is a

psychodynamic approach that focuses on the uniqueness of the

individual and the potential of each person for self- determination

and self-actualisation

Þ Human development and personal growth is only possible when an

individual receives unconditional positive regard from another

individual.

Þ As the individual has the unconditional love they are therefore free

to stop striving for social approval and seek self-actualisation.

Þ Conditional love from a significant other can lead to maladjustment.

The Q-sort method

=================

This is a way of assessing the self-concept and the ideal self.