Humanistic Approach Humanists view behavior as a reflection of internal growth. Carl Rogers
Humanistic Approach 1. People are good (in their potentials) 2. People have needs 3. If needs are met then they grow to their potential (good) 4. If people act bad, needs are not met 5. Acting bad is an effort to falsely fill a missing need
Rogers s Self Theory Carl Rogers: primary determiner of behavior is view of self Self-concept: how one feels and thinks of oneself our image of what we are, what we should be, and what we would like to be Factors that can determine self-concept Family environment Health Intellectual development Economic circumstances Cultural influences Social interactions Educational level Are these internal factors, external factors, or both?
Rogers s Self Theory Actualization tendency: motivated to maintain and enhance self (physiologically and psychologically) Physical development (food and water enhance self) Psychological development (want to grow as people) Example: We learn to walk because it s growth; we may fall and get hurt, but we persist! Valuing process: evaluate life experiences by how well they serve actualization tendency Good/desirable experiences = positive value Bad/undesirable experiences = negative value
Rogers s Self Theory Positive regard: acceptance, love, approval from others How does it develop? Unconditional positive regard: positive regard despite undesirable behavior How do others behavior influence this? Conditional positive regard: positive regard only for desirable behavior How does this develop? Conditions of worth: internalized judgments on behavior. Initially external then part of belief system. What impact could this have on self-actualization?
Rogers s Self Theory Incongruence: experience and self-concept don t match I love all of humanity... I don t hate anyone BUT I really hate THAT person... Gay people are bad Rednecks are morons Democrats/Republicans are idiots
Impact on the self What happens if a pleasurable self-experience is evaluated negatively? Star football player also likes to sing and dance He decides to forgo football to try out for the fall musical His coaches, friends, and parents are very upset with him His girlfriend and best friend both say, We will support whatever you want to do. IF he has strong self concept, he will Try out for the musical anyway IF he doesn t have a strong self concept, he will Go back to football and forget the musical How could conditions of worth influence his decision?
Impact on the self Rewards and punishments drive behavior What if behavior doesn t reflect conditions of worth? Example: I am told by mommy and daddy that I am bad for drawing on the wall. I like to draw When I draw on the wall, I m told I m bad Drawing a certain way will determine worth... May not be my true self!
Fully Functioning People Psychologically healthy people are open to new experiences; nothing threatens self-concept because they received unconditional positive regard as kids. How would you compare this to self-actualization?
Characteristics of Fully Functioning People Awareness of all experience; open to positive and negative feelings How would a fully functioning person handle the death of a loved one? Freshness of appreciation for all experiences participate rather than observe How would a fully functioning person react to a flash mob? Trust one s own behavior and feelings trust own reactions rather than guided by opinions of others How would a fully functioning person handle criticism for having the minority opinion on an issue?
Characteristics of Fully Functioning People Freedom of choice, without inhibitions sense of power as future depends on own actions How would a fully functioning person make a decision knowing others may not approve? Creativity and spontaneity do not require predictability, security, or freedom from tension How would a fully functioning person react to a major change at work or school? Continual need to grow, strive to maximize potential no end point, a direction, not a destination How would a fully functioning person handle the pinnacle of success (earned a doctorate, won the championship, etc.)?
Rogers views Believed actualization tendency is internal BUT process is driven by external, environmental factors Humans have free will to make choices How do you see Rogers as being similar or different from Freud? How do you see Rogers as being similar or different from Maslow?
Rogers views Client centered therapy Clients given unconditional positive regard No judgments made of behavior No advice given as to how they should behave Responsibility for and ability to change behavior belongs to client DOESN T mean you allow others to take advantage of you, abuse you, etc. You protect yourself, but don t devalue the person
Rogers views Unconditional positive regard? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx2tmmvvtiw What examples of conditional worth and unconditional positive regard do you see? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqyya3dbhna Unconditional positive regard? (need to edit) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtkst5-zfhw From the man himself... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djtpel8acfo To sum it up... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzwmz-807ue
How would you describe your path toward becoming a fully functioning person? Where do you see yourself receiving unconditional self worth? Where do you see yourself receiving conditional self worth? What factors are inhibiting being a fully functioning person?