Lecture Notes: Humanistic Theory of Personality

Caveat on Theories of Personality

• Theories of personality are not mutually exclusive.
• No single theory is more dominant or better than the others.
• They are different perspectives from various branches of psychology.

Humanistic Theory

• Key Concepts: Free Will & Self-Actualization
• Belief in individuals' capacity to develop to their highest potential and achieve self-actualization.
• Focus: Conscious mind, inherent goodness, and self-motivation to improve.

Contrast with Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory

• Freud's theory is deterministic and focuses on unconscious desires.
• Applies mainly to individuals with mental conflicts.
• Humanism emphasizes the conscious mind and self-improvement.

Major Theorists

Abraham Maslow

• Developed Hierarchy of Needs:
  1. Physiological needs
  2. Safety needs
  3. Love/Belonging needs
  4. Esteem needs
  5. Self-Actualization
• Characteristics of self-actualized people:
  • Self-aware
  • Caring
  • Wise
  • Problem-centered
  • Higher purpose focused on larger causes, not basic life aspects
• Only 1% of people reach self-actualization.

Carl Rogers

• Built on Maslow's ideas, emphasizing nurturing qualities early in life.
• Concept: Growth-promoting climate
• Two conditions for self-actualization:
  1. Genuineness: Authenticity and openness
  2. Acceptance: Unconditional positive regard from others
  • Example: Parental unconditional love despite punishment
• Self-concept:
  • Central to personality
  • Achieved by combining genuineness and acceptance
  • Leads to positive perception and actions
  • Helps answer "Who am I?"

Summary

• Humanistic theory focuses on conscious mind and self-motivation.
• Emphasizes growth, self-actualization, and the importance of a positive self-concept.