Humanistic Theories Humanistic theories focus on the way healthy people strive

for self-determination and self-realization.

Abraham Maslow proposed that we have a hierarchy of needs, from physical security to self-actualization and then to self-transcendence.

People who are notable for rich and productive lives share certain characteristics: they are self-aware and self-accepting, open and spontaneous, loving and caring.

They are problem-centred rather than self-centred.

Many have been moved by spiritual or peak experiences that transcend our normal self-focussed state of consciousness.

This is opposite of focussing on the defensive maneuvers of crippled spirits.

Person-Centred Perspective Carl Rogers believed that a growth-promoting climate

needed three conditions: genuiness, acceptance, and empathy.

A central feature of personality is one's self-concept, all the thoughts and feelings we have in response to the question, “Who am I?”

Rather than forcing the a client to respond to narrow categories, humanistic psychologists presumed that interviews and intimate conversations would provide a better understanding of each person's unique perspective.

Think back to 'Shutter Island' and the concept of 'phenomenological assessment'. This kind of thinking did not exist in psychotherapy in 1954.

Evaluating Humanistic Theories Much of what the first-year student thinks is the study of

psychology comes from the popularized views of Maslow and Rogers.

Most collegians would rather get an A paper that eat their favourite foods or enjoy sexual activity. (Bushman et al., 2011) (m545 c25).

But, in practice, its concepts are vague, and subjective.

The individualism encouraged by this view can lead to self-indulgence, selfishness, and an erosion of moral restraints. (Campbell & Specht, 1985).

Finally, it is naive. Humanistic psychology, say the critics, encourages the needed hope but not the equally necessary realism about our capacity for evil.