Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 I CAN Explain the general premise of humanism Distinguish the major humanist theorists Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 The Humanistic Theory Personality is not driven by unconscious conflicts and defenses against anxiety…but by the need to adapt, learn, grow, and excel Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

The Attribution Theory The Attribution Theory is based on the reasons for our successes and failures. Every attribution is categorized in terms of locus, stability, and controllability. Locus refers to the location of the attribution: internal or external Stability denotes whether or not the attribute will stay the same or change. For example, ability is considered a fairly stable factor, whereas effort is readily increased and deemed unstable. Controllability is the student's ability to affect the outcome by controlling the factors that caused it. Uncontrollable attributions are not within the student's control, like feeling ill. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Humanistic Theories Humanistic Theories include Gordon Allport’s Trait Theory Abraham Maslow’s Self-Actualizing Personality Carl Roger’s Fully Functioning Person Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Gordon Allport He catalogued 18,000 human traits from dictionaries Traits Stable personality characteristics that are presumed to exist within the individual and guide his or her thoughts and actions under various conditions He catalogued 18,000 human traits from dictionaries There are 3 Types of traits: Central- Form the basis of personality: happy, sad. moody, angry, tense Secondary- include preferences and attitudes Cardinal- These traits dominate the personality to the point that people are famous for them: Mother Theresa, Scrooge Most people never develop this type of trait

Abraham Maslow and the Healthy Personality Self-Actualizing Personalities Healthy individuals who have met their basic needs and are free to be creative and fulfill their potentials Possess no neurotic need for the approval of others Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Carl Rogers’s Fully Functioning Person Roger’s Phenomenal Field Our psychological reality, composed of one’s perceptions and feelings Term for a healthy, self-actualizing individual… …who has a positive self-concept that is harmonious with reality We respond to this subjective (biased) perception not to the objective reality That’s why a grade of a C will shock someone who always gets As but make someone who is failing happy… Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Unconditional Positive Regard Love or caring without conditions attached Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Evaluating Humanistic Theories Problems: Fuzzy areas in the theories They can’t be tested.. lack an empirical base… can’t be proven false Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Evaluating Humanistic Theories Positive Psychology Recent movement in psychology Pursues essentially the same goals as humanists but are more concerned with scientific support of theories It studies the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive Positive psychologists seek to make normal life more fulfilling", not to cure mental illness Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 CAN I? Explain the general premise of humanism Distinguish the major humanist theorists Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007