Psychology: Approaches
Humanistic Approach
Understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and
each person’s capacity for self-determination.
Free will:
We are individual and unique- we have free will
Known as person-centred approach- focus on individuals
We are all different and we are unable to generalise humans into groups
Idiographic view—viewing people as individuals.
- We have the ultimate ability to choose what we do and we are in control of our
behaviour- free will. Acknowledges that we have constraints on our free will but
maintains that ultimately if we want to do something then we have the ability to
choose to do it.
- Difficult to prove, but humanists are not interested in proof so it’s not an issue. An
implication of this is that a person is responsible for their own behaviour.
Holism—Focus on the whole group rather than one individual
- Humans don’t agree with focusing on childhood in therapy, the whole life should be
looked at (opposes Freud’s theory)
- Does not consider itself to be a science. Argues that the scientific approach tries to
be too objective, when humans are subjective in the way they think and behave.
Self-actualisation- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
Self-actualisation—Desire to grow and fulfil ones potential, becoming what you are capable
of.
Self-actualisation represents the uppermost level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. All 4
lower levels must be achieved in order for someone to self-actualise.
Humanistic psychologists regard personal growth as a fundamental part of what it is to be
human.
- Personal growth is concerned with developing and changing as a person to become
satisfied and goal-oriented.
- Important psychological barriers may prevent a person from reaching their potential.
Humanistic Approach
Understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and
each person’s capacity for self-determination.
Free will:
We are individual and unique- we have free will
Known as person-centred approach- focus on individuals
We are all different and we are unable to generalise humans into groups
Idiographic view—viewing people as individuals.
- We have the ultimate ability to choose what we do and we are in control of our
behaviour- free will. Acknowledges that we have constraints on our free will but
maintains that ultimately if we want to do something then we have the ability to
choose to do it.
- Difficult to prove, but humanists are not interested in proof so it’s not an issue. An
implication of this is that a person is responsible for their own behaviour.
Holism—Focus on the whole group rather than one individual
- Humans don’t agree with focusing on childhood in therapy, the whole life should be
looked at (opposes Freud’s theory)
- Does not consider itself to be a science. Argues that the scientific approach tries to
be too objective, when humans are subjective in the way they think and behave.
Self-actualisation- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
Self-actualisation—Desire to grow and fulfil ones potential, becoming what you are capable
of.
Self-actualisation represents the uppermost level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. All 4
lower levels must be achieved in order for someone to self-actualise.
Humanistic psychologists regard personal growth as a fundamental part of what it is to be
human.
- Personal growth is concerned with developing and changing as a person to become
satisfied and goal-oriented.
- Important psychological barriers may prevent a person from reaching their potential.
