PSY405 Notes Lecture 19

Humanistic view in psychology

Humanistic psychology focuses on the good side of people, free choice, and personal growth. It says people are not only shaped by past events or environment, they also choose who they become.

Meaning of key terms

Humanistic psychology

A branch of psychology that believes humans are basically good, capable of growth, and able to make free choices.

Abnormality

In psychology, this means unhealthy or unusual behavior such as severe anxiety, depression or aggressive behavior.

How humanistic psychology explains abnormal behavior

It says abnormal behavior happens when someone does not accept responsibility for their actions and thoughts.

Example

A person keeps failing exams but always blames teachers or bad luck. Humanistic psychology would say the person should accept responsibility, study better, plan better, and grow. Humanistic psychologists also believe: human nature is basically good

• society sometimes pushes people toward aggression or unhealthy behavior

Example

A child is kind by nature but grows up in a violent neighborhood. Humanists say the environment caused aggression, not the child's inner nature.

Is Maslow a humanistic psychologist?

Yes, Abraham Maslow is one of the most famous humanistic psychologists.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Maslow said humans have levels of needs. The lower needs must be met before higher needs. The order is:

1. Physiological needs
2. Safety needs
3. Love and belongingness
4. Self esteem
5. Self actualization

This is usually shown like a pyramid. Many people stay at lower levels, only a few reach the top.

Meaning of psychological term: Hierarchy of needs

This means needs are arranged from most basic to highest level.

1. Physiological needs

Meaning

Basic physical needs needed to stay alive.

Examples

food

• water
• sleep
• oxygen
• protection from extreme heat or cold

A hungry person thinks mainly about food, not poetry or philosophy.

2. Safety needs

Meaning

Need to feel safe, secure and protected.

Examples

safe home

• job security
• health security
• predictable environment

Children show this strongly. A baby cries when dropped suddenly or hears a loud noise because it feels unsafe.

3. Love and belongingness needs

Meaning

Need to feel connected to others and not lonely.

Examples

friends

• family love
• being accepted by classmates
• feeling part of a group

A student far from home feels homesick because belongingness needs are not satisfied.

4. Self esteem needs

Meaning

Need to feel capable and respected. Maslow divided it into two types.

self respect

feeling confident, capable, independent