In this assignment, I will be talking about the Humanistic perspective. I will briefly discuss in detail the humanistic theories of Carl Rodgers and Abraham Maslow which are THE PERSON CENTRED THEORY and MASLOW’S THEORY OF SELF ACTUALISATION respectively. I will evaluate both of these theories and lastly apply Maslow’s theory of self-actualization to my life. HUMANISM Humanism is a system of values and beliefs that is based on the idea that people are basically good and that problems can be solved using reason instead of religion (Merriam-Webster dictionary online, 2014). Humanistic theories stated in the 1950’s because of the discrimination against behavioral and psychodynamic theories. Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow are the humanistic theorists who came up with their own theories of which they explain humanism further through their theories. THE SELF According to Carl Rogers (as cited in Weiten, 2014), he came up with a personality structure called the self, commonly known as the self-concept which is the collection of beliefs about one’s own nature’ unique qualities and a typical behavior. Self-concept is about how one sees the self, for instance the person might say he’s better at something and in reality it proves otherwise INCONGRUENCE. Carl Rogers came up with a term called incongruence which is a gap between self-concept and reality. Incongruence is degree of disparity between one’s self-concept and one’s actual experience (Weiten, 2014) What Carl Rogers means is that if a person for example claims to be good with math and gets higher marks in math tests, this shows that the person’s self-concept is congruent with reality. Doing the opposite of what you say you are simply means that your self-concept is incongruent with ... ... middle of paper ... ...APPLYING MASLOW’S THEORY TO MY LIFE If I have to apply Abraham Maslow’s theory of self-actualization to my life, I would say that I have a strong relationship with my parents and a great friendship with my friends. Sometimes I find it hard to do things that will make others appreciate who I am, so I do them just to feel appreciated. I always need to be around people even in my busiest time, I still want to be attached and this gives me no privacy at all. This truly shows that I have a need for self-actualization. In conclusion, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers came with their own theories which are Maslow’s theory of self-actualization and Person-centred theory respectively, of which they explained the humanistic perspective according to their own view. These theories describes the needs of which people should have and to also know their personality structures.
According to Carl Rogers (1959) self concept has three different components: The view you have of yourself (Self image); How much value you place on yourself (Self esteem or self-worth); What you wish you were really like (Ideal self). These ideas of self concept do not necessary have to reflect the reality of what is to be known as truth to the outside observer. Such as in the case of those who struggle with anorexia. Though they may appear to the observer as being extremely underweight through the eyes of the observed they find themselves to be overweight. This is believed to be related to concept of self image. Baumeister (1999) provides the following self concept definition: "the individual's belief about himself or herself, including the person's attributes and who and what the self
The humanistic perspective on personality deals exclusively with human behavior. Humanistic psychologists believe that human nature includes a natural drive towards personal growth, that humans have the freedom to choose what they do regardless of environmental factors, and humans are mostly conscious beings and are not controlled by unconscious needs and conflicts. They also believe that a person's subjective view of the world is more important than objective reality. Two of the humanistic theorists that have made an impact of humanism are Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
Humanistic Theory is based on the ability for individuals to be able to separately diverse with our own prospective on life. Maslow’s theory speaks to the potential and to positive outcome of human motivation and believes that every individual can and will strives to be more.
This concept has been highlighted by many psychologists. One that is most common would have to be Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. In this outline, Maslow highlights the different levels of human needs. One can only move forward a level when the one prior is fully achieved. Self-Actualization, the tip top level, is every humans ultimate goal. It is “achieving one’s full potential” (McLeod, 1). Before the idea of Self-Actualization can be reached one must pass through the Esteem Needs section. Esteem Needs focuses on the idea of accomplishing personal goals and reaching prestige levels in life. In reality, this level is unable to be accomplished. It has been theorized that the Self-Actualization is too far-fetched. Most humans feel as if they’ll never be content in their lives. They end up insecure with themselves and envious of others around them. Often times the reason why people haven’t achieved their goals is because of pure laziness. Being envious of others will mostly likely not lead to success. When one just sits around and ponders on a certain subject, they often become consumed by it and in turn they do nothing. For example, if one sees their neighbor pull up into the driveway in a
Humanistic psychology relies on client centred therapy and the idea that each individual has the potential to achieve a position in their psyche named self actualisation. Humanistic psychology differs from psychodynamic theory in that it is optimistic about the human psyche and does not view conflict as inevitable. Humanistic psychology assumes people attach meaning to their unique perspectives on the world and that behaviour is strongly influenced by this. Carl Rogers defined the healthy personality as being one that had congruence between the perceived self and the experienced self and that the individual in question experienced unconditional positive regard from their parent or guardian. He defined an unhealthy personality as being one which lacked these components. Abraham Maslow alternatively suggested a hierarchy for which a person’s healthy personality could be measured by stages of psychological and physical needs (see diagram 2). He suggested that, for a person to achieve self actualisation and become a fully functioning person, they must first satisfy all the needs of each level in the pyramid before moving onto the next
...roblems. On the other hand, the humanistic approach, introduced by Abraham Maslow, states that individuals have the freedom and capacity to direct his or her own future. Although it is a theory, it is apparant that the psychoanalytic approach is accepted in our society through observations of our speech and procedures of our criminal justice system. As a result, it is conclusive that it is more instrumental in the treatment of mental disorders.
Similarly, Maslow's theory also reflects that humans have an internal force to reach their highest potential (Maslow, 1968). Maslow examined the hierarchy of basic human needs and developed a pyramid of requirements which motivates human beings and shapes their personality. At the bottom of his pyramid are found the basic physiological motivations which are necessary for survival such as food and shelter. The next level incorporates the need for safety, both physical and psychological. This is followed by love and belongingness which relate to receiving and giving affection. Presuming the love need is met, the next level up is the need for esteem which includes the feeling of self-esteem and self-respect. At the top of the pyramid stands the complex need for self-actualization which is a meta-need as per Maslow (1964) and we can reach it through peak experiences. It is the highest level of growth when someone reached her or his capacity to the fullest. Maslow estimated that only 1 percent of people ever really fulfil this need (Maslow,
Humanistic and Existential Psychology are influential of each other, both include the “meaning of our existence, the role of free will, and the uniqueness of each human” (Burger, 2015) This paper will review three articles written by influential psychologists of their time, Maslow, Rogers, and Frankl. The review of each will include a summary, how well the contents connects to the humanistic or existential psychology, and if their ideas still have a relevant application in today’s environment.
Abraham Maslow adopted the theory, and it was focused on discussing the development of professional organizations that are devoted to a more humanistic psychology. There are important topics that dominate the theory such as creativity, self-actualization and individuality as central themes to the theory. Humanistic approach is paramount and has played a critical role in ensuring understanding and new ways of thinking concerning mental
2. Description in detail of the Humanistic theories by Rogers (person-centred) and Maslow (self-actualization) and the evaluation of both theories.
Self-actualization is an idea originating from the Humanistic psychological theory and particularly created by Abraham Maslow. The humanistic school of thought in psychology is the third force in psychology that attempts to regain the self, supporting that individuals do have free will and has the power to change for the better. Humanistic psychology was developed as a response to psychoanalysis and behaviorism focusing on individuality, personal growth and the concept of self-actualization. While early schools of thought were mostly concentrated on abnormal human behavior, humanistic psychology is different because of its emphasis on helping individuals achieve and fulfill their potential. The two main contributors to this school of thought
Abraham Manslow, a humanist, developed a hierarchy of needs focused on the study of healthy people and development. Manslow’s theory focused on the development of an individual according to the needs that must be met. An individual has lower level and upper level needs that must be met at each level before the next level is reached on the way to self-actualization; however, if the person does not meet the needs anxiety occurs. The needs must be addressed in a practical manner for self-actualization to be achieved. The humanistic view of personality is based on the belief that an accurate observation of self and the ability reach needs in different stages of development result in self-actualization (Pettijohn, n.d.).
Two proponents most noted for humanistic approaches to personality are Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Both the Person-Centered Theory (Rogers) and the Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow) considered that humans ' true nature was good and that each has the potential for growth. A comparison of the two approaches demonstrates a compatibility between theory and practice. Furthermore, each approach focuses on individual choices and rejects the theory that biology will determine human potential.
Maslow, Abraham H. (1968). Towards a Psychology of Being. New York: Litton Educational Publishing Inc.
Both Rogers and Maslow believed in a humanistic approach to therapy, but each had their own take on it (McLeod, 2007). Maslow was an optimist in a vocation that tended to focus on the negative aspects of human behavior. By extensively studying people who were happy and seemed to be fulfilling their potential, he was able to determine what he thought were key needs for every human being. He conceived the Hierarchy of Needs and believed that humans possess a limitless potential for