Humanistic Approach AO1

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Humanistic Approach

Methodology- No experiments (naturalistic)

Issues and debates-  Holistic, free will, idiographic 

Basic concept

  • To understand behaviour that empathises the importance of subjective experience and each person's capacity for self-determination.
  • Views every individual as unique and personal growth in life is a basic human motive
  • The humanistic approach emphasises the practice of holism, to fully understand the individuals behaviour we must consider them as unique and take an idiographic approach rather than apply general laws to people.
  • Introduces in the 1950s known as the 'third force' along with psychodynamic and behaviourism, challenging their negative views on human nature

Maslow's Heirachy of needs

Maslow argues humans have an innate tendency to achieve their full potential (reach self actualisation). In order to achieve self actualisation 4 deficiency needs must be met first. Personal growth is an essential part of what it means to be human. However, there may be psychological barriers which prevent some people from fulfilling their potential,

  • Psychological needs (base) - necessities for survival such as food, water, sleep etc.
  • Safety needs (second) - personal security, employment, resources, property
  • Love and belongingness (third) - friendship, family, intimacy, sense of connection
  • Esteem (fourth) - respect, self esteem, status, self confidence
  • Self-actualisation - Highest level that can only be achieved if the other four levels are reached it is the desire to be the best one can be

Maslow described the first…

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