Psychology · Ch 2 — Self and Personality
Humanistic Approach
Humanistic Approach
The Humanistic Approach: An Overview
The humanistic approach to personality was developed largely as a reaction against Freud’s theory. Its main contributors are Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. At its core, this approach sees people as inherently good, driven by a natural tendency to grow, fulfil their potential, and become the best version of themselves.
Carl Rogers’ Theory
Rogers’ most important idea is that of the fully functioning person. He believed that fulfilment is the primary motivating force for personality development. People naturally try to express their capabilities, potentials, and talents to the fullest extent possible. There is an inborn tendency that directs them to actualise their inherited nature.
Rogers made two basic assumptions about human behaviour:
- Behaviour is goal-directed and worthwhile.
- People, who are innately good, will almost always choose adaptive, self-actualising behaviour.
His theory grew out of his clinical experience of listening to patients. He noticed that the self was a central element in their experience. Therefore, his theory is structured around the concept of the self.
The Real Self and the Ideal Self
Rogers suggests that each person has two key self-concepts:
- Real Self: The self that a person actually is.
- Ideal Self: The self that a person would like to be.
When there is a close correspondence between the real self and the ideal self, a person is generally happy. A large discrepancy between the two often results in unhappiness and dissatisfaction.
Rogers’ basic principle is that people have a tendency to maximise self-concept through self-actualisation. In this process, the self grows, expands, and becomes more social.
Personality Development and Social Influences
Rogers views personality development as a continuous process. It involves learning to evaluate oneself and mastering the process of self-actualisation. He recognises the powerful role of social influences in developing the self-concept.
- When social conditions are positive, the self-concept and self-esteem are high.
- When social conditions are negative, the self-concept and self-esteem are low.
People with high self-concept and self-esteem are generally flexible and open to new experiences. This openness allows them to continue growing and self-actualising. To ensure the enhancement of a person’s self-concept, an atmosphere of unconditional positive regard must be created. The client-centred therapy that Rogers developed is designed to create this very condition.
Abraham Maslow’s Contribution
Maslow is famous for his hierarchy of needs, which you may have studied in Class XI. He gave a detailed account of psychologically healthy people in terms of their attainment of self-actualisation — a state in which people have reached their own fullest potential.
Maslow had an optimistic and positive view of human beings. He believed people have the potential for love, joy, and creative work. Human beings are considered free to shape their lives and to self-actualise.
Self-actualisation becomes possible by analysing the motivations that govern our life. The lower needs — biological, security, and belongingness — are called survival needs and are commonly found in both animals and humans. An individual’s sole concern with satisfying these needs reduces them to the level of animals. The real journey of human life begins with the pursuit of self-esteem and self-actualisation needs.