Humanistic Theory Focus on mental capabilities (self-awareness) Set the foundation for Positive Psychology Based on Phenomenology

Phenomenology A way of perceiving & interpreting the world which then shapes personality & guides behavior.

Review: The Hierarchy of needs Abraham Maslow & Hierarchy of Needs In order for you to grow to your fullest potential you must progress in the hierarchy. People with the healthiest personalities are at the upper levels of the hierarchy.

Maslow & growth theory Most are controlled by the perceived need for things they do not have Do not properly satisfy the needs in the hierarchy Deficiency Orientation People who draw satisfaction from what they have rather than what is missing Growth Orientation When people feel joy just from being human/alive Utilizing fullest potential. Peak Experience Attempts to satisfy the need for love & belongingness: people focus on what love can give them (security) rather than what they can give to another

Carl Roger’s Self theory Motivation toward growth and fulfillment Personality is the expression of actualization Actualizing Tendency PR: Viewing yourself in a positive way due to the feedback of others. UPR: Your perception that important individuals in your life accept you for who you are. Positive Regard & Unconditional Positive Regard Congruency=when the “others” evaluations are in agreement with a human’s “self” evaluation Incongruency=when the self-experience is evaluated negatively by others. Congruency & Incongruency

Roger’s Continued Conditions of Worth Occurs when PEOPLE are evaluated instead of their BEHAVIOR. Conditions of Worth Important b/c they easily create distorted self-perceptions & incongruency. Rewards & Punishments Good Boy/Girl Rather than You did a good job

The Grinch who stole Christmas Applying the Humanistic Personality Theory

Task As you view the Grinch Who Stole Christmas answer the following questions specific to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: 1. What specific needs within Maslow’s Hierarchy has the Grinch reached (what needs are met)? 2. What specific needs within Maslow’s Hierarchy does the Grinch need to reach (what needs does he lack)? 3. How does the Grinch reach self-actualization (how does his personality transform)? 4. When does he have his “peak experience”?

Task As you view the Grinch Who Stole Christmas answer the following questions specific to Roger’s Self Theory: 1. What evidence suggests the Grinch does not have positive self regard? 2. Describe when the Grinch experiences congruency. 3. Describe the concept of conditions of worth as it relates to the Grinch and his ability to reach his actualizing tendency.

Lessons from the Grinch Nurturing environments are necessary for a healthy personality to form. Humans are born with the ability to alter their perceptions of themselves, and therefore their personalities. Lessons from the Grinch