The humanistic approach in psychology emerged as a reaction to the deterministic and reductionistic views of behaviour prevalent in psychoanalytic and
behaviourist theories. Rooted in the belief in human potential and the importance of subjective experience, the humanistic approach emphasizes the
uniqueness, autonomy, and inherent worth of each individual. One of the central tenets of humanistic psychology is the belief in self-actualization, coined
by Abraham Maslow, which refers to the innate drive of individuals to realize their full potential and become the best version of themselves. According to
Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization represents the highest level of human needs, encompassing personal growth, fulfilment, and self-
transcendence. This approach is far from scientific, being derived from the view that humans maintain free will, whereby their thoughts and behaviours are
not determined by external forces.
Carl Rogers, another influential figure in humanistic psychology, developed person-centred therapy as a therapeutic approach based on the principles of
empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. Person-centred therapy emphasizes creating a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic
relationship where clients feel accepted, understood, and empowered to explore their feelings, experiences, and goals. Therapists use active listening,
reflection, and empathy to facilitate clients' self-exploration and personal growth, empowering them to make choices, set goals, and take responsibility for
their own lives. This type of therapy aims to diminish incongruence by riding the gap between a person’s ideal self and self-concept.
The humanistic approach also emphasizes the importance of subjective experience and personal meaning in understanding human behaviour. Humanistic
psychologists argue that individuals' perceptions, interpretations, and values shape their experiences and behaviour, highlighting the subjective nature of
reality. By focusing on the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual, humanistic psychology provides a more nuanced understanding of
human nature and psychological functioning. Furthermore, humanistic psychology takes a holistic perspective, considering the interconnectedness of mind,
body, and spirit in promoting psychological well-being. Therapists address clients' psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs, recognizing the importance
of addressing the whole person in therapy. By integrating biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, humanistic psychology offers a comprehensive
approach to understanding and promoting human flourishing.
The humanistic approach has made significant contributions to psychology by challenging traditional views of human nature and promoting a more positive
and holistic understanding of psychological well-being. By emphasizing self-actualization, personal growth, and subjective experience, humanistic
psychology has inspired therapeutic approaches that prioritize the individual's unique strengths, values, and aspirations. Through person-centred therapy
Briefly outline the self-concept and
and other humanistic techniques, therapists empowerBriefly
clients outline
to tap into their inner
Maslow’s resources,
hierarchy develop greater self-awareness, and lead more authentic
of needs
Key assumptions
and fulfillingoflives. The humanist approach rejects attempts to break up behaviour and experience into smaller components,ideal
the humanistic self and
advocating how
holism, andthis
the relates to
study approach:
of the whole person. - suggests that human motivation is based on fulfilling a congruence
hierarchical sets of needs
- assumes that individuals
In conclusion, thehave an innate
humanistic approach in psychology offers a refreshing perspective on human nature, emphasizing theThe inherent worth, autonomy,
self-concept refersand
to how
drive to fulfil their potential
potential andBy
of everyone. strive Physiological personal
promoting self-actualization, needs – growth,
the basic requirements
and for survival
holistic well-being, humanistic psychology has contributed to the development
individuals perceive themselves,
towards SA
Safety needs – protection from harm and financial stability whereas the idea self represents the
- emphasize subjective experience self they aspire to become.
Love and belongingness – the desire for relationships
-holistic approach Congruence occurs when there is
Esteem needs – involves both self-respect and the respect and
behaviourist theories. Rooted in the belief in human potential and the importance of subjective experience, the humanistic approach emphasizes the
uniqueness, autonomy, and inherent worth of each individual. One of the central tenets of humanistic psychology is the belief in self-actualization, coined
by Abraham Maslow, which refers to the innate drive of individuals to realize their full potential and become the best version of themselves. According to
Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization represents the highest level of human needs, encompassing personal growth, fulfilment, and self-
transcendence. This approach is far from scientific, being derived from the view that humans maintain free will, whereby their thoughts and behaviours are
not determined by external forces.
Carl Rogers, another influential figure in humanistic psychology, developed person-centred therapy as a therapeutic approach based on the principles of
empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. Person-centred therapy emphasizes creating a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic
relationship where clients feel accepted, understood, and empowered to explore their feelings, experiences, and goals. Therapists use active listening,
reflection, and empathy to facilitate clients' self-exploration and personal growth, empowering them to make choices, set goals, and take responsibility for
their own lives. This type of therapy aims to diminish incongruence by riding the gap between a person’s ideal self and self-concept.
The humanistic approach also emphasizes the importance of subjective experience and personal meaning in understanding human behaviour. Humanistic
psychologists argue that individuals' perceptions, interpretations, and values shape their experiences and behaviour, highlighting the subjective nature of
reality. By focusing on the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual, humanistic psychology provides a more nuanced understanding of
human nature and psychological functioning. Furthermore, humanistic psychology takes a holistic perspective, considering the interconnectedness of mind,
body, and spirit in promoting psychological well-being. Therapists address clients' psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs, recognizing the importance
of addressing the whole person in therapy. By integrating biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, humanistic psychology offers a comprehensive
approach to understanding and promoting human flourishing.
The humanistic approach has made significant contributions to psychology by challenging traditional views of human nature and promoting a more positive
and holistic understanding of psychological well-being. By emphasizing self-actualization, personal growth, and subjective experience, humanistic
psychology has inspired therapeutic approaches that prioritize the individual's unique strengths, values, and aspirations. Through person-centred therapy
Briefly outline the self-concept and
and other humanistic techniques, therapists empowerBriefly
clients outline
to tap into their inner
Maslow’s resources,
hierarchy develop greater self-awareness, and lead more authentic
of needs
Key assumptions
and fulfillingoflives. The humanist approach rejects attempts to break up behaviour and experience into smaller components,ideal
the humanistic self and
advocating how
holism, andthis
the relates to
study approach:
of the whole person. - suggests that human motivation is based on fulfilling a congruence
hierarchical sets of needs
- assumes that individuals
In conclusion, thehave an innate
humanistic approach in psychology offers a refreshing perspective on human nature, emphasizing theThe inherent worth, autonomy,
self-concept refersand
to how
drive to fulfil their potential
potential andBy
of everyone. strive Physiological personal
promoting self-actualization, needs – growth,
the basic requirements
and for survival
holistic well-being, humanistic psychology has contributed to the development
individuals perceive themselves,
towards SA
Safety needs – protection from harm and financial stability whereas the idea self represents the
- emphasize subjective experience self they aspire to become.
Love and belongingness – the desire for relationships
-holistic approach Congruence occurs when there is
Esteem needs – involves both self-respect and the respect and
