SP - Humanistic Theories Lesson

Learning Targets:

• Describe the humanistic perspective on personality and the objectives behind studying it.
• Explain the methods humanistic psychologists use to evaluate an individual's self-concept.
• Discuss the impact of humanistic theories on the field of psychology and address the criticisms they have encountered.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

The Humanistic Perspective

The Humanistic Perspective of personality is sometimes called the "third force" as it opposes psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Humanists believe people are innately good and strive to grow personally through free will and self-awareness. They emphasize the growth of potentially healthy people and question how this is possible when one focuses on problems and negativity.

It is a rebellion against the pessimistic view of human nature that psychoanalysts gave us. According to humanists, the most crucial factor of personality is an individual's conscious perception of his or herself.

Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Perspective

Carl Rogers enjoyed an extensive career as a psychotherapist, writer, and university professor. He developed his personality theory from his clinical experience with patients. It is important to note that Rogers used the term "clients" instead of patients because he felt it demonstrated one's voluntary participation and drive to grow their potential.

Rogers believed that the most basic human instinct was the self-actualizing tendency, which describes the innate drive to maintain and enhance oneself. He believed that to do this, we need genuineness, acceptance, and empathy.

The cornerstone of Rogers' theory revolves around a self-concept (the set of perceptions and beliefs you have about yourself, including your personality, qualities, nature, and behavior. He believed that we are motivated to act by how we see ourselves. This idea of self-concept begins early in life and is molded through life-enhancing experiences. As we develop, we also establish the need for positive regard or the sense of being loved or valued.

Through research, Rogers found that most parents gave children conditional positive regard. This is when the parent provides a feeling of love and value when the child behaves a certain way. If this continues, the child learns to distort or deny their genuine feelings to gain acceptance. This contradiction of self-concept leads to incongruence (when self-concept conflicts with experience, causing a constant defense against one's genuine feelings).

Parents and authority figures should provide unconditional positive regard or a sense of unconditional love and value to avoid feelings of incongruence. When this happens, the child's self-actualizing tendencies are at their peak. In this scenario, the child is more likely to become a fully functioning person or one with a flexible personality. Congruence is achieved, and one's self-concept is continually evolving.

Rogers Social Climate

Aspect	Description
Acceptance	also known as unconditional positive regard. Valuing individuals for who they are without conditions or judgement. Creates a safe space for self-exploration.
Genuineness	Being authentic and transparent in interactions. Encourages openness and honesty. Fosters trust and deeper connections.
Empathy	Understanding and sharing another person's feelings. Provides emotional support. Enhances mutual understanding and respect.

 

Abraham Maslow's Self-Actualizing Person

 Abraham Maslow proposed that we are motivated by a hierarchy of needs. Maslow developed his idea by studying healthy people and believed that we seek self-actualization or the fulfillment of our fullest potential.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: (*Note: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, while an important concept, is outside of the scope of the AP Psychology Exam.)

The Hierarchy is structured as a pyramid.  The base of the pyramid reflects the universal needs of society and each step above it reflects additional  acquired emotions. In order from, bottom to top is:

• Physiological: breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, excretion
• Safety: security of body, of employment, of resources, of morality, of the family, of health, of property
• Love/Belonging: friendship, family, sexual intimacy
• Esteem: self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, respect by others
• Self-actualization: morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, acceptance of facts
  
  
  

 

Learn more about the Humanistic Theory in the video below.

 

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