Humanistic Perspectives How does humanism differ from other theories in psychology?

The Humanistic Perspective - Origins In the 1960s some psychologists decided that the field needed some fresh ideas and a new direction Most psychologists were equally uncomfortable with: Behaviorism: B.F. Skinner and operant conditioning John Watson with Little Albert Too rigid, too mechanical Freud Psychosexual stages Dark conflicts, too negative

The Humanistic Perspective - Origins Abraham Maslow Carl Rogers Focused on the self-concept of personality or all the thoughts and feelings we have in response to, “who am I?” Instead of laboratory experiments these two theorists chose to ask people to report their own experiences and feelings. (Surveys)

Abraham Maslow’s Self-Actualizing Person Maslow proposed that human motivations form a pyramid-shaped hierarchy of needs 1.) At the bottom of the pyramid are bodily needs (food, clothing, shelter) 2.) If we have basic needs met, we can focus on security/safety (health, employment, housing, etc.) 3.) Once we feel secure, we can seek fulfilling connections with other people (love, intimacy, friendship, family)

Abraham Maslow’s Self-Actualizing Person 4.) When our love/connections are satisfied, we can then focus on our self-esteem/feelings of worth through achievement, respect of others, etc. 5.) At the highest point of the pyramid is what is called self- actualization – Self-actualization is where a person can be self-aware, self-accepting, loving, caring, creative, spontaneous, and living with a purpose and an inner meaning, and usually moved by a spiritual experience.

Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Perspective Believed in self-actualized people just like Maslow did The way in which we become self-actualized was slightly different: We are primed to reach our potential if we are given a “growth-promoting environment”

Carl Rogers’ Nurturing Human Growth We can nurture growth if… 1.)We are genuine Open with our feelings, drop false fronts, and are transparent and self- disclosing 2.) We are accepting We offer total positive regard – attitude of total acceptance and valuing another, even with knowledge of the person’s failings 3.) We are empathic (empathetic) – Sharing another’s feelings, feeling what they feel Listening with true empathy – put yourself in another’s shoes when listening

Carl Rogers “As person are accepted and prized, they tend to develop a more caring attitude toward themselves.” (Rogers, 1980, p.116) Specifically geared toward the client-therapist relationship, but Rogers believed that genuineness, acceptance and empathy could nurture growth between any two human beings Leader and group Teacher and student Manager and staff member Parent and child

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspectives Maslow’s and Rogers theories have heavily influenced counseling, teaching, child-rearing and management Many people believe that people are basically good and capable of improving if provided the right environment There IS evidence to show that people who feel liked and accepted – for who they are, not just their achievement, show less defensive attitudes (Schimel et al., 2001). A less defensive attitude will in turn be able to work with others more effectively and accomplish more

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspectives Criticisms: what do you think? Concepts are vague (not quantified) Maslow’s self-actualized person qualities were based off of qualities of people he admired If Hitler or Napoleon conducted the same research, the self-actualized person would look quite different. Attitudes tend to focus on “Am I living in a way that deeply satisfies me and which truly expresses me?” –Trusting our own feelings Could encourage selfishness and or possibly hurt us. Do feelings always = FACTS? Fails to appreciate the human capacity for evil (terrorism, threat of nuclear war, sociopaths who are incapable of empathy etc.)