2/23 Psychodynamic and Humanistic Psychology

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Handout

The Humanistic Perspective

Humanistic Psychology focuses on

·         “Healthy” people (differing from psychotherapy)

·         strivings for self-determination and self-realization

·         the “whole” person (differing from trait)

·         the person’s point of view (rather than the therapist’s interpretation)

Abraham Maslow

·         hierarchy of needs

·         self-actualization

·         analysis of “self-actualized “ individuals

·         characteristics of “self-actualized “ individuals

·         peak experiences

Carl Rogers

·         basic goodness of humans

·         growth enhancing vs. growth inhibiting environment

·         genuineness

·         acceptance (unconditional positive regard vs. conditional positive regard)

·         empathy

·         applications (therapy, education, parenting, leadership/management)

·         self-concept

·         actual self vs. ideal self

·         congruency

Assessing the self

·         questionnaires vs. interviews

Research on the Self

·         possible selves

·         positive and negative

·         role in setting goals

·         assumption that the self is the organizer of our thoughts, feelings, and actions

Self-esteem

·         benefits of high self-esteem (fewer maladaptive behaviors, happiness)

·         costs of low self-esteem (higher depression, anxiety)

·         hopelessness

·         low self-worth

·         does low self-esteem cause problems and failure or do they cause low self-esteem

·         deflating a person’s self-image tends to lead to negative attitudes toward others

·         low self-esteem is associated with disparaging attitudes, racial prejudice, being judgmental

·         high self-esteem is associated with higher opinions of others and greater acceptance of others

Culture and self-esteem

·         no differences between majority groups and “minority” groups

·         why are there no differences between majority groups and “minority” groups

·         They value things at which they excel

·         They attribute problems to prejudice

·         They compare themselves with others in their own groups

Self-serving bias

·         We tend to take credit for good things and successes and find reasons for bad things and failures

·         Most people rate themselves as better than average, while only a few rate themselves below

·         We remember and justify our past in self-enhancing ways

·         We overestimate how well we think we would behave

·         We are more likely to believe flattering descriptions of ourselves

·         We overestimate how much others support our opinions

·         Self-serving bias can fuel negative aspects of group pride

·         How about feelings of inferiority and when a person criticizes himself

·         It may get people to reassure you

·         They may prepare us for possible failure

·         Self-enhancing beliefs are generally beneficial and healthy

Evaluating the Humanistic Perspective

The humanistic perspective has been pervasive

·         Most Americans think a positive self-concept is important

·         Most Americans think human nature is essentially good

·         The humanistic perspective may reflect the self-reliant individualism of the American culture

Criticisms of the Humanistic Perspective

·         Its concepts are vague and subjective

·         The emphasis on the individual may promote self-indulgence and selfishness

·         It fails to recognize the human capacity for evil