Humanistic Theory of Personality

Introduction

• Humanistic theory is one perspective among many in psychology to understand personality.
• Theories of personality are not mutually exclusive; each offers a different viewpoint.

Key Concepts of Humanistic Theory

• Free Will: Individuals can actively develop themselves to their highest potential.
• Self-Actualization: The ultimate goal, representing the realization of one's potential.
• Focuses on the conscious mind, unlike Freud's psychoanalytic theory which is deterministic and centers on unconscious desires.
• Human nature is inherently good and self-motivated to improve.

Major Theorists

Abraham Maslow

• Developed the Hierarchy of Needs, depicted as a pyramid.
  1. Physiological Needs
  2. Safety
  3. Love
  4. Self-Esteem
  5. Self-Actualization
• Characteristics of self-actualized individuals:
  • Self-awareness
  • Caring
  • Wisdom
  • Problem-centered focus
  • Life mission and higher purpose
• Noted that self-actualization is rarely achieved (only 1% of individuals reach it).
• Examples of self-actualized individuals: Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa.

Carl Rogers

• Built upon Maslow's ideas, emphasizing that self-actualization is nurtured in a growth-promoting climate.
• Conditions for growth-promoting climate:
  1. Genuineness: Openness and self-revelation.
  2. Acceptance: Receiving unconditional positive regard from others.
• Example: A parent's unconditional love despite a child's misdeeds.
• True self vs. ideal self: Achieving self-concept when genuineness and acceptance combine.

Humanistic Theory's Focus

• Self-concept and positive self-perception.
• Encourages answering the question, "Who am I?"