HUMANISM APPROACH
SPECIFICATION: Humanistic Psychology: free will, self-actualisation, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, focus on the self, congruence, and the role of conditions of worth—the influence on counselling Psychology.
Positive psychology is a relatively new form of psychology. It emphasises the positive influences in a person's life. These might include character strengths, optimistic emotions, and constructive institutions. This theory is based on the belief that happiness derives from emotional and mental factors.
ORIGINS OF HUMANIST PSYCHOLOGY
Humanistic psychology started in the mid-20th century as a response to two earlier psychological theories: Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis and B.F. Skinner's behaviourism. Abraham Maslow believed psychology needed a new approach, calling it a "third force." In the 1950s, Maslow helped popularize this new way of thinking. One primary influence on humanistic psychology was Carl Rogers, inspired by Otto Rank, a psychologist who broke away from Freud in the 1920s. Rogers wanted to help people grow into mentally healthy, creative individuals and developed the idea of the “actualising tendency,” which is the natural drive to become the best version of oneself. This idea influenced Maslow's study of "self-actualisation," which is the need for people to realise their full potential. Rogers and Maslow believed that people are naturally good and that psychology should focus on growth and happiness rather than what’s wrong. This optimistic outlook contrasts with the more pessimistic approaches found in psychoanalysis and behaviourism. In addition to their ideas, humanistic psychology was also influenced by the philosophies of existentialism and phenomenology, which focus on individual experience and existence.
PRINCIPLES OF HUMANISM
Human beings, as humans, supersede the sum of their parts. They cannot be reduced to components.
Human beings have their existence in a uniquely human context, as well as in a cosmic ecology. Human beings are aware and are aware of being aware—i.e., they are conscious.
Human consciousness always includes an awareness of oneself in the context of other people.
Human beings can make choices and, therefore, have responsibility.
Humans are intentional, aim at goals, know they cause future events and seek meaning, value, and creativity.
FREE WILL
Humanistic psychology begins with the belief that people have free will—the ability to choose and determine their actions. This idea, known as personal agency, emphasises that we can decide about our lives independently of past experiences or current circumstances. For example, we are not controlled by determinism (the belief that previous experiences and biology shape our actions). Still, we can actively choose how to behave and change our path in life.
As mentioned above, Humanistic psychology also asserts that people are essentially good and naturally desire to improve themselves and the world around them. However, their environments can nurture or hinder that potential as they grow. The drive for self-actualisation— achieving one's full potential—is a core component of human motivation.
Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, the key behaviourist figures, believed that certain conditions must be met for self-actualisation. According to Maslow, basic needs—food, water, and safety—must first be satisfied before pursuing higher psychological and emotional growth (reflected in his hierarchy of needs). Conversely, Rogers emphasised the importance of having a positive self-image (positive self-regard) and receiving unconditional positive regard from others (especially caregivers). Only when individuals experience unconditional support can they fully realise their potential. For self-actualisation to occur,
HUMANISM IS HOLISTIC
Humanistic psychology takes a holistic approach by viewing individuals as complete, integrated beings rather than as a collection of separate parts. It emphasises that every person's thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and experiences are interconnected. This means that to understand someone truly, it is essential to consider the full range of their experiences and the context in which they live. Rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms or behaviours, humanism looks at the whole person, supporting that personal growth, self-actualisation, and well-being are best achieved when all parts of an individual's life are considered together.
HUMANISM AND THE LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
Humanistic psychology challenges the conventional reliance on laboratory experiments and objective, deterministic methods. While traditional scientific approaches focus on behaviours that can be observed and measured, this perspective argues that such methods miss the richness of inner human experiences. Proponents of the humanistic view contend that objective studies, though useful in some areas, cannot fully capture feelings and thoughts' subjective, personal nature.
Instead of experiments, humanistic researchers prefer qualitative methods—such as personal diaries, open-ended surveys, informal interviews, and direct observations—to delve deeply into how individuals perceive and interpret their own lives. These approaches are particularly effective for understanding the nuances of personal experience on an individual level.
Ultimately, humanism posits that genuine understanding of another person comes from engaging with them directly, sharing in their experiences, and being open to their feelings, rather than relying solely on controlled scientific experiments.
UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR THROUGH SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE (PHENOMENOLOGY)
Humanistic psychologists emphasise that human behaviour should be understood through the subjective experience of individuals. This perspective, called phenomenology, suggests that while reality may be objective, each person's perception of reality shapes their experiences. In other words, how individuals perceive and process life events creates their reality. Rogers argued that each person has a unique 'phenomenal field'—their perceptions shape their world. When approaching psychology, humanistic theories focus on how individuals experience and interpret their world. As Rogers said, "The only reality I can know is the world as I perceive and experience it at this particular moment." This highlights the key idea that every individual lives in their own perceived reality, a perspective that varies from person to person.
Humanistic psychology focuses on understanding a person's entire experience and emotions as interconnected and meaningful without breaking them down into smaller parts, as psychoanalysis does. Humanistic theorists also emphasize that these subjective experiences should be viewed in the present moment—conscious experiences—without delving into unconscious memories. Individuals must use introspection, the careful process of examining their inner thoughts and feelings, to fully understand their subjective experience. This emphasis on phenomenology and individual perception shapes the humanistic approach, providing a deeper understanding of human behaviour beyond traditional approaches by focusing on reality's personal, individual experience.d:
INTRODUCTION TO MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS
Abraham Maslow developed his Hierarchy of Needs in the 1950s to explain what drives human motivation. His theory, often depicted as a pyramid, proposes that individuals must satisfy basic needs in a specific order before achieving self-actualisation—realising their true potential. Each level serves as a foundation for the next; for example, establishing meaningful relationships or building self-esteem is difficult if one's fundamental needs for survival and safety are unmet. Thus, self-actualisation can only be pursued once these essential needs are fully satisfied, allowing a person to focus on personal growth and become their best version.
PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS
These form the pyramid's base and include essential requirements such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. The body cannot function without these necessities; little energy remains for higher pursuits.SAFETY NEEDS
Once physiological needs are met, the focus shifts to safety and security. This level encompasses personal security, a stable environment, and protection from harm. Feeling safe is crucial for reducing anxiety and fostering further development.LOVE AND BELONGING
Humans are inherently social beings, and this level represents the need for interpersonal relationships. It involves forming bonds with family, friends, and community, all contributing to emotional well-being and a sense of belonging.ESTEEM NEEDS
After achieving a sense of love and belonging, individuals strive for esteem. This involves the desire for recognition, respect, and self-confidence. Meeting these needs builds a strong sense of self-worth and drives people to pursue further achievements.SELF-ACTUALISATION
At the pinnacle of the hierarchy is self-actualisation—the process of realising one’s full potential. This level is about personal growth, creativity, and achieving meaningful goals. It represents the ultimate aim of an individual’s development once all the lower-level needs have been satisfied.
Maslow’s theory is significant because it provides a clear framework for understanding how different needs must be met in a specific order before a person can fully develop and become their best version.
CARL ROGERS
At the same time, Carl Rogers was also advancing humanistic ideas; while both Maslow and Rogers believed in human beings' innate potential and goodness, Maslow’s work focused on outlining a structured order of needs. In contrast, Rogers concentrated on the process of self-realisation. Though developed concurrently, their theories complement each other by highlighting different aspects of human development.
Carl Rogers believed every person has a natural, built-in drive to grow and become the best version of themselves—a concept he called the "actualising tendency." Here’s what that means in more detail:
IMPORTANCE OF A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
For this growth to happen, individuals must be in an accepting, non-judgmental environment. Rogers emphasised the need for "unconditional positive regard," meaning that people thrive when they feel valued and supported regardless of their mistakes or flaws. This environment allows individuals to explore their feelings and work towards personal improvement.
ONGOING PROCESS OF SELF-REALISATION
Unlike theories that set out fixed steps, Rogers saw self-realisation as a continuous, lifelong process. It involves consistently learning from experiences, adapting, and gradually overcoming obstacles to become more in tune with our true selves.
HUMANISTIC THEORY OF PERSONALITY
Central to Rogers’ theory is the concept of the self, or self-concept—an organised set of beliefs and perceptions that define who an individual is. This inner self, shaped by personal experiences and feedback from others, forms the core of one’s personality. Early childhood interactions play a vital role in creating this self-concept.
Rogers proposed that individuals naturally strive for congruence, the alignment between their self-image (how they see themselves) and their ideal self (who they wish to become). When these two are in harmony, a person experiences psychological well-being and a strong sense of self-worth. However, when there is a significant gap between one’s self-image and ideal self, incongruence occurs, often leading to distress and low self-esteem.
A key factor in creating incongruence is the imposition of conditions of worth—external standards and expectations imposed by others, especially during childhood. When individuals internalise these conditions, they may view themselves through what others expect rather than their true feelings. This can result in a distorted self-concept, where the person’s true potential is suppressed to meet these external demands.
Rogers’ approach to personality emphasises that a healthy, fully functioning individual can overcome these imposed conditions of worth, achieve congruence, and embrace their natural drive towards self-actualisation. When people experience unconditional positive regard and acceptance, they are more likely to reconcile their self-image with their ideal self, paving the way for personal growth and a more fulfilling life.
The self-concept comprises three main components:
FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL
While other theories, like Maslow's, offer a structured hierarchy of needs, Rogers focused on the individual journey. He believed that every person's path to growth is unique and that understanding and accepting oneself is the key to unlocking one's full potential.SELF-WORTH
This reflects the value individuals place on themselves, largely developed during early childhood through interactions with parents and caregivers.SELF-IMAGE
This is how individuals perceive themselves, including body image and personality. A positive self-image is essential for maintaining good psychological health.IDEAL SELF
This represents the person one wishes to become, encompassing personal goals and aspirations. It is a dynamic concept that evolves, influenced by changing experiences and personal growth.
Rogers’ humanistic approach highlights that personal development and self-actualisation rely on an authentic and integrated self. When individuals experience unconditional acceptance and positive regard from their environment, they can better reconcile their self-image with their ideal self, paving the way for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
In essence, Rogers' humanistic approach centres on the idea that people naturally want to grow and improve. This process is best supported by an environment that nurtures and accepts them for who they are
ROGERS THERAPY EXPLAINED
Existential psychotherapies, rooted in humanistic psychology, draw on existential philosophy, which holds that individuals are free to define their own lives. This form of therapy encourages clients to explore the meaning and purpose of their existence, prompting them to confront the tension between the freedom to choose and the constraints imposed by factors such as genetics, culture, and other influences. Ultimately, existential therapy aims to help clients reconcile these conflicting forces to live more authentically.
Rogers therapy, often called client-centred or person-centred therapy, is a non-directive approach where the therapist provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment that empowers clients to explore their feelings and thoughts. The core idea is that individuals can understand themselves and resolve their problems when they feel accepted and understood.
KEY PRINCIPLES:
UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD:
The therapist offers complete acceptance without judgment, which helps the client feel safe to express their true self.EMPATHETIC UNDERSTANDING:
The therapist strives to deeply understand the client’s perspective and emotions, validating their experiences and fostering a trusting relationship.GENUINENESS:
Therapists are encouraged to be open and authentic with their clients, creating a genuine and honest connection.CLIENT AUTONOMY:
Instead of directing the session, the therapist lets the client lead the conversation. This helps clients take responsibility for their growth and encourages self-discovery.
The overall goal of Rogers therapy is to help clients move towards self-acceptance and personal growth. By feeling heard and valued, clients can better understand their feelings, work through internal conflicts, and ultimately become more congruent—where their self-image aligns with their experience of who they are. This process enables them to achieve greater well-being and a more fulfilling life.
HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY APPLIED
Discover your strengths
Develop a vision for what you want to achieve (having a vision board can help!)
Consider your own beliefs and values
Pursue experiences that bring you joy and develop your skills
Learn to accept yourself and others
Focus on enjoying experiences rather than just achieving goals
Keep learning new things
Pursue things that you are passionate about
Maintain an optimistic outlook
EVALUATION
STRENGTHS
SIMILARITY TO POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Both humanistic and positive psychology focus on personal growth, well-being, and the potential for individuals to thrive. However, there are key differences. Humanistic psychology, rooted in the work of theorists like Maslow and Rogers, emphasises subjective experiences and the drive for self-actualisation. It often uses qualitative methods to explore what it means to be human. Positive psychology emerged later and focused on empirically studying happiness, strengths, and well-being using quantitative research methods. While both aim to understand and enhance human potential, positive psychology tends to be more research-driven and data-oriented.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
One of the greatest strengths of humanistic psychology is that it emphasises individual choice and responsibility. Humanistic psychology satisfies most people's idea of being human because it values personal ideals and self-fulfilment. Finally, humanistic psychology provides researchers with a flexible framework for observing human behaviour because it considers a person in the context of his environment and in conjunction with his perceptions and feelings.
FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Instead of delving into unconscious processes or genetic factors, this approach centres on the person as a whole, recognising each individual's unique experiences and perspectives.
ALIGNMENT WITH HUMAN IDEALS
By prioritising self-fulfilment and personal growth, humanistic psychology aligns with many people's beliefs about the essence of being human, highlighting our positive nature and the capacity for change through free will.
RICH INSIGHTS INTO BEHAVIOUR
The qualitative methods used in humanistic research allow for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of behaviour, capturing genuine insights that are often lost in more quantitative approaches.
INDIVIDUALISTIC STUDY METHODS
This perspective supports idiographic, individual-focused research. Its principles can be applied across various fields—such as criminology, history, and literature—because it touches on core aspects of the human experience.
WEAKNESS
OPERATIONALISATION
One common criticism of humanistic psychology is that its ideas tend to be too abstract. Critics point out that concepts like "authentic experiences" are challenging to measure objectively—what feels genuine to one person may not be the same for another. Because of this, it is hard to verify findings based solely on personal, subjective reports, making research in this area seem unreliable. Furthermore, some argue that humanistic psychology lacks the rigorous objectivity required of true science, leaning too much on common-sense notions rather than empirical evidence.
SUBJECTIVITY
One common criticism of the humanistic approach is that it is too subjective. Because it emphasises the importance of individual experience, it becomes difficult to objectively study and measure humanistic concepts. For instance, there's no definitive way to determine if someone is genuinely self-actualised; we must rely solely on the individual's experience assessment. Furthermore, many humanistic research observations cannot be independently verified or quantified, which makes it challenging to develop reliable methods for studying these elusive qualities.
UNFALSIFIABLE
Another major criticism is that many humanistic concepts are considered unfalsifiable. In other words, no precise method to measure or quantify qualities like self-actualisation makes it impossible to prove or disprove these ideas through empirical research. Because these constructs rely on subjective personal experiences, they cannot be tested in a way that meets the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry. This unfalsifiability makes it challenging to conduct systematic research and undermines the ability to design assessments that reliably capture these elusive qualities. Consequently, critics argue that without objective metrics, the humanistic approach remains speculative mainly and resistant to validation or refutation.
LACK OF EMPIRICAL RIGOUR
Humanistic psychology often relies on qualitative research methods—such as unstructured interviews, personal diaries, and open-ended questionnaires—to capture subjective experiences. Critics contend that this reliance on subjective data makes it challenging to test and verify key concepts like self-actualisation and congruence objectively. Although attempts like Rogers’ Q-sort have sought to introduce more rigour, the field remains short on the empirical evidence that characterises more traditional scientific approaches.
OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Some critics argue that by focusing so heavily on free will and individual growth, humanistic psychology tends to overlook the impact of broader socioeconomic and cultural forces. This emphasis on personal responsibility may inadvertently serve to justify or mask structural inequalities, suggesting that individuals are solely responsible for their own success or failure, regardless of external constraints.
ETHNOCENTRICITY
Critics argue that humanistic psychology is deeply rooted in Western cultural values, which can make its theories and practices less relevant for people from other cultural backgrounds. This approach strongly emphasises individualism, personal growth, and self-actualisation—ideas central to many Western societies. Still, it may not align with the values of cultures that prioritise community and collective well-being. As a result, individuals from non-Western cultures might find that humanistic concepts conflict with their cultural beliefs and experiences, potentially leading them to adopt a worldview that doesn’t truly reflect their identity. This bias suggests that the humanistic approach may not be as universally applicable as it claims, highlighting the need for more culturally sensitive psychological models.
ELITIST
Some critics claim that humanistic theories, like those associated with Maslow, can appear naively elitist. They question whether ordinary individuals in real-world situations—dealing with typical jobs, incomes, and societal pressures—can achieve self-actualisation. Others view these ideas as a form of extreme capitalist thought, arguing that personal responsibility is sometimes used to justify existing power structures. Moreover, critics from a broader socio-political perspective contend that the humanistic emphasis on individual autonomy overlooks the significant role of societal and economic forces in shaping human behaviour.
OPPOSITION TO DETERMINISTIC LAWS
The humanistic approach champions the idea of free will, asserting that individuals can choose their paths and shape their lives. This starkly contrasts with deterministic scientific laws, which propose that every event or behaviour is the inevitable result of preceding causes. Determinism suggests that only one outcome can occur if all variables are known, leaving no room for personal choice.
This conflict creates tension: humanism’s focus on free will and personal agency implies that people can defy predictable, systematic outcomes, challenging the notion that science can fully account for human behaviour through fixed laws. Critics argue that this rejection of determinism introduces an element of unpredictability that seems at odds with the structured, repeatable nature of scientific inquiry. While deterministic views rely on the idea that everything follows a set course, humanism maintains that each person can break free from these constraints, even if it means accepting a less predictable and systematic model of human behaviour.
CLIENT CENTRED THERAPY EVALUATION
PERSON-CENTRED COUNSELLING
The non-directive, person-centred approach in therapeutic settings helps clients feel at ease and valued as equals. This method encourages open communication, allowing individuals to explore their feelings in a supportive environment without feeling judged or directed by the counsellor.
DEPENDENCE ON EXPERIENCE
In practice, the success of humanistic methods often depends on the facilitator’s skill. For example, in a classroom setting, a teacher must be adept at encouraging open expression of feelings and experiences. If the teacher lacks these skills, the approach may not work effectively.
PROMOTES FRUSTRATION AMONG CLIENTS
The humanistic approach encourages clients to think for themselves, which can be overwhelming for those who struggle to do so. Some individuals may feel frustrated or confused without clear explanations or guidance for their problems.
EXPERIENCE AND LEARNING STYLE LIMITATIONS
In educational settings, the success of a humanistic approach is heavily dependent on the quality of experience provided by the teacher. In a humanistic classroom, the teacher creates a safe, open environment that encourages students to express their feelings and share personal experiences. This reliance on the teacher’s capability can be a major limitation; if the teacher is not skilled in facilitating these interactions, the approach may fail to achieve its intended outcomes.
Another challenge lies in accommodating individual learning styles. Humanistic education recognises that every student learns differently and requires a personalised approach. However, tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of each learner can be unwieldy and difficult to organise consistently within a structured educational system.
LIMITATIONS IN APPLICATION AND SOCIETAL CRITICISMS
Beyond the classroom, critics argue that the humanistic approach only applies to some regions of psychology, primarily those that benefit from in-depth qualitative analysis. While it offers a comprehensive view of individual behaviour, it overlooks broader systemic influences. Some contemporary critics reject the notion of an autonomous self—arguing that macrosocioeconomic forces largely determine individual identity. In this view, human nature is not an inherent, independent quality but is shaped by society.
Critics from a Marxist perspective, in particular, have lambasted the idea of personal responsibility as promoted by incremental approaches to self-improvement. They contend that such ideas serve as tools of capitalist control, deflecting attention from the need for radical changes in political, economic, and social structures to address inequality and oppression.
