Theoretical Perspectives: Humanistic

Theoretical Perspectives: Humanistic

One of the perspectives in psychology is the humanistic perspective. The humanistic perspective states that a person has an innate goodness. A person also has the desire to achieve higher levels of potential. Humanistic theorists believe the core of personality is made up of the conscious motivation to improve as well as the individual’s unique impulses. Two of the most popular humanistic theories are the Holistic – Dynamic Theory created by Abraham Maslow and the Person – Centered Theory created by Carl Rogers. These theories have been used to understand personality. These theories have also been criticized on their effectiveness and validity.

Assumptions

The assumptions of the humanistic perspective are different than those of the psychodynamic perspective. The psychodynamic perspective focuses on the unconscious; whereas, the humanistic perspective focuses on the conscious. The primary assumption of the humanistic theories is that behavior is motivated by needs, primarily self – actualization. Maslow’s theory proposes the Hierarchy of Needs as the path to self – actualization. Rogers’ theory proposes the actualization tendency as the path to self – actualization. While Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs motivate a person towards a reduction of deficiency, self – actualization is a growth need (Heylighen, 1992). Maslow’s theory states that self – actualization is achieved when all other needs met. However, self – actualization appears to be a never – ending process. According to both theories, the whole person is motivated (Feist & Feist, 2009). Self – actualization is believed to correspond to an individual’s psychological health. Maslow believed that motivation was complex; Rogers believed that matters began simple and then progressed to complex. According to the Hierarchy of Needs, all people are motivated by the same needs with self – actualization being the highest need. However, the other needs may be in a different order. According to the Actualizing Tendency, the only motivation a person possesses is self – actualization.

Strengths and Limitations

The humanistic theories have strengths and weaknesses. Maslow’s theory does not have much evidence to support his claims. This is due to the fact that his observations are difficult to reproduce. Self – actualization remains popular for research even though the term is not clearly defined. There are no methods in which to prove self – actualization in people. Both theories are useful as a guide for practitioners. They both supply the practitioner with a foundation in which to help the patient. However, Rogers’ theory lacks a solid theoretical basis (Patterson & Joseph, 2007). This has allowed for some research to disprove the theory. However, the Hierarchy of Needs included in Maslow’s theory has a logical and consistent basis. Rogers’ theory does generate research is psychotherapy and classroom learning, but not in many other areas (Feist & Feist, 2009). While Maslow’s theory has poor wording, Rogers’ theory does have consistent wording and definitions.

 Personality

Individuals who have reached self – actualization, as defined by the humanistic theories, have distinguishing characteristics. These individuals are open to experience. He or she is eager to have new experiences, learn new ideas and skills, and try new things (Heylighen, 1992). These individuals are spontaneous and natural; they do not play roles. Self – actualizing individuals do not feel restricted and are not afraid that what they are doing is wrong. Self – actualizing individuals have a general creativity. These individuals are accepting towards nature, people, and the self. They are accepting of faults and situations beyond his or her control. They have a confidence when it comes to problem solving and decision making due to personal values. They are serene in times of failure or disaster. Self – actualizing people also have imperfections. When making errors, they are quicker to admitting and correcting them (Heylighen, 1992). Self – actualizing individuals sometimes feel out of place in their own culture. At times, they seem discourteous, disrespectful, unaffectionate, or hostile. This is usually due to the detachment and unconventionality he or she feels. They may seem cold and ruthless due to the unemotional decision making in the treatment of others (Heylighen, 1992). Their non – hostile sense of humor makes them appear serious. The concentration an individual focuses on problems makes them seem stubborn, absentminded, and short tempered.

Social Interactions

Self – actualizing individuals interact with those around them although they do not need other people. Self – actualizing individuals usually make decisions for themselves with little regard to the opinions of others or of society. Self – actualizing individuals are comfortable in solitude and have a need for privacy and independence (Heylighen, 1992). Although these individuals are comfortable alone and in their own decision making abilities, they have strong social interactions with others. These individuals have a strong sense of empathy towards humanity and are friendly to everyone. Self – actualizing people will listen to and learn from others with no prejudice. They tend to be selective about who they associate with. The relationships self – actualizing individuals have with others are usually more intense. Self – actualizing individuals are secure in who they are individually that the pressures of society do not affect them.

Conclusion

Humanistic theories are focused on the individual and his or her desire to be the best that they can be. Self – actualization has been theorized to only be accomplished by few of the population. While it appears that self – actualization is a goal only to be met after all other needs are met, it is actually a gradual process of improvement (Heylighen, 1992). Humanistic theories appear to be ideal theories for personality; however, they are just stepping stones to the understanding of personality. Sections of the theories seem to make sense, but with the research available there is more to study to completely prove or disprove them.

References

Feist, J., & Feist, G. (2009). Theories of Personality (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Heylighen, F. (1992). A cognitive - systemic reconstruction of Maslow's theory of self - actualization. Behavioral Science, 37(1), 39.

Patterson, T. J., & Joseph, S. (2007). Person - Centered personality theory: support from self - determination theory and positive psychology. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 47(1), 117-139.

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