Overview
This lecture introduces the humanistic theory of personality, comparing it to other theories, and highlights its key concepts and major theorists, Maslow and Rogers.
Humanistic Theory Basics
- Humanistic theory states individuals have free will and can develop toward their highest potential (self-actualization).
- Unlike Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which is deterministic and focused on unconscious desires, humanism focuses on conscious thoughts and self-motivation.
- Humanistic theory posits people are inherently good and motivated to improve themselves.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Abraham Maslow created the hierarchy of needs, depicted as a pyramid.
- Needs must be fulfilled in order: physiological, safety, love, self-esteem, and finally self-actualization.
- Self-actualizing people are self-aware, caring, wise, problem-centered, and focused on higher purposes.
- Maslow believed only about 1% of people achieve self-actualization.
Carl Rogers’ Contributions
- Carl Rogers extended Maslow’s ideas, emphasizing early life nurturing in a growth-promoting climate.
- Two conditions for self-actualization: genuineness (being true and open about oneself) and acceptance (unconditional positive regard from others).
- Acceptance allows individuals to be open and learn without fear of judgment.
- Achieving self-actualization involves merging genuineness and acceptance to form a healthy self-concept.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Humanistic Theory — A personality theory focusing on free will, self-development, and self-actualization.
- Self-Actualization — The process of realizing and fulfilling one’s highest potential.
- Hierarchy of Needs — Maslow’s model of human motivation, arranged from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.
- Growth-Promoting Climate — An environment nurturing personal growth, based on genuineness and acceptance.
- Unconditional Positive Regard — Acceptance and love from others without conditions.
- Self-Concept — The central feature of personality representing a person’s sense of self.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the definitions of key concepts: self-actualization, growth-promoting climate, and self-concept.
- Consider the order and meaning of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for potential exam questions.