Overview of the Humanistic Approach to Psychology

Introduction

• Brief overview of the humanistic approach to psychology
• Focus on its relation to personality
• Key theorists: Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

Abraham Maslow

• Known for Hierarchy of Needs
  • Concept of self-actualization
  • Driven to satisfy needs and find fullest potential
  • Intrinsic drive towards self-actualization
  • Goal in life: become self-actualized (best version of oneself)

Carl Rogers

• Focused on the gap between "real self" and "ideal self"
  • Real self: who we actually are
  • Ideal self: who we could become
  • Aim: move towards the ideal self
  • Termed as becoming a "fully functioning person"

Conditions of Worth

• Concept: Conditions of Worth
  • Restrictions we impose on ourselves
  • Belief of being worthy only if certain conditions are met
  • Examples: parental love contingent on career success, marriage, etc.
• Impact: Can hinder becoming fully functioning

Unconditional Positive Regard

• Goal of therapy: Cultivate unconditional positive regard
  • Avoid creating conditions of worth
  • Client learns self-acceptance regardless of thoughts/behaviors
  • Facilitates progress towards becoming fully functioning

Conclusion

• Overview intended to provide a brief understanding
• More detail to come in future units on humanistic psychology
• Topics to cover: Emotion and Motivation, Treatment approaches for psychological disorders

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