Behaviorist: The study of a subject through examination and analysis of objectively observable events. This is to be in contrast to the mental state of the subject. Humanist: Studying of social structures of entire societies including language and culture. Concentrating on human activities and abilities. Cognitive: Mental processes and skills are analyzed with this perspective.
We each had our own reasons why the humanistic theory was important to us. The first theory that we will discuss is the humanistic theory. As defined by Robert S. Feldman, “the humanistic theory is the conscious, self motivated ability to change and improve.” (Feldman, 2009, p.401) Humanistic theorists believe that along with peoples unique creative impulses make up the core of human personality (Feldman, 2009, p.401). For Daniel, this theory meant that we have a basic need and desire as humans, to try and achieve, and to be a good person. For Heather, it meant that the humanistic theory is not inherited but done by interaction.
Abraham Maslow Summary Abraham Maslow is considered to be the pioneer of the humanism paradigm in psychology. He is best known for creating his notion of hierarchy of needs and self- actualisation and focused on the subjective reality to be the primary guide for human behaviour (Henley, Hergenhahn, 2009). He believed studying individuals is more informative than a group of individual who shares personal traits or social situation in common; therefore he focused studying individuals rather than a collective of individuals (Henley et al, 2009). Furthermore, he emphasised self-discovery that helps to enrich human’s life. Overall, the goal of humanism is to understand the description of human being.
Chapter 11: Humanistic Approach Learning Objective Questions Remember: Write answers in BLUE and within the text of the questions I. The Roots of Humanistic Psychology pp 275 to 277 1. What are the two main roots of the humanistic approach? Existential philosophy and the work of some American psychologists, most notably Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow 2. Describe the essence of existential philosophy.
My interpretation of this definition is that psychology, while unique to each person, is the culmination of all experiences which ultimately identifies a being and can at times predict or evoke certain behaviors. In the clinical sense, psychology can be a useful tool when controlling behavior, gathering data for an identified population or attempting to explain the what and why’s we encounter everyday of our lives. Psychology and Life (19th Edition) goes on to describe the evolution of modern psychology, which can trace its beginnings to ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. Plato and Aristotle had opposing views that weighed heavily on modern psychology. On one hand Plato believed in more of a nativist view, in which assumes that people are preprogrammed for certain behavior due to their lineage from the time they are born (Gerrig, R. J. and Zimbardo, P. G. 6).
Abraham H. Maslow was one of the 20th century’s foremost American humanistic psychologists. Humanistic psychologists emphasize human potential and the importance of love, belonging, self-esteem and self-expression, peak experiences, and self-actualization (Morris & Maisto, 2010). Maslow organized these categories to help form a hierarchy of human motivational needs. They are based on a series of needs, including physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization needs. He placed these needs into the shape of a pyramid, in which the bottom layer consists of our lower motivational needs such as physiological needs, leading up to the top layer consisting of the higher motivational needs such as self-actualization.
Many theorists have expressed an opinion on how a desirable condition can be achieved, the two main schools of thought base themselves on either the Humanistic or the Behaviourist theory. Two major theorists associated with the humanistic view are Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. These theorists, whom base their views on this approach, emphasise on the self choosing their own behaviour to achieve, and this behaviour is connected to their inner feelings and personal image and is not pre-determined. These theorists believe that all individuals have an instinctive drive to achieve their maximum potential. Abraham Maslow developed a model known as The Hierarchy of Needs (1) as a theory for understanding human motivation and personal development.
They also believe that a person's subjective view of the world is more important than objective reality. The humanistic perspective on personality deals exclusively with human behavior. Humanistic psychologists believe that human nature includes a natural drive towards personal growth, that we as humans have the ability to choose what they do regardless of environment, and that humans are pretty much conscious beings that are not controlled by unconscious needs and conflicts. Two major theorists associated with this theory of personal development that impacted humanism are Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. Humanism places an emphasis on the assumption that all humans are inherently good in nature and possess free will.
This essay will discuss theories of psychology, looking at behaviourist and humanistic approaches and describe some psychological treatments involved within them. Finally, this essay will then compare therapies with a biological treatment and discuss whether psychological treatments are the most appropriate and effective for mental health. Behaviourism is defined by Watson (1913) as the whole set of events leading to a process of adjustment to the environment. “According to the behavioural model, abnormal behaviour is learned in the same way as normal behaviour.” (Rice and Haralambos, 2000 : 164). This meant that all behaviour is learned and can be adapted.
Humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow once wrote: “any theory of motivation that is worthy of attention must deal with the highest capacities of the healthy and strong person as well as with the defensive maneuvers of crippled spirits” (qtd. in Myers 565). Maslow definitely took both of these things into account when he created the hierarchy of needs. The hierarchy of needs, normally drawn out in the shape of a pyramid, starts with primitive needs, such as hunger and safety, and then continues on until we finally focus on trying to achieve ‘self-actualization’ and ‘self-transcendence’ needs. Maslow proposed that after one’s basic physical, psychological and self-esteem needs are met, a person strives for self-actualization, fulfilling our potential, and self-transcendence, where we need to find identity beyond our self (Myers 565).