Humanistic psychology emphasizes personal agency, self-actualization, and subjective experiences. It views individuals holistically, considering their physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. This approach focuses on the present moment and highlights our innate drive towards growth and fulfillment.

Key theories include Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Rogers' concept of ideal vs. real self. These ideas explore how we prioritize needs and strive for congruence between our aspirations and authentic selves. Humanistic psychology encourages personal growth and self-discovery through experiential learning.

Key Principles and Theories of Humanistic Psychology

Principles of humanistic psychology

• Emphasizes free will and personal agency in shaping one's life recognizes individuals have the capacity to make choices and take responsibility for their actions
• Focuses on the inherent drive toward self-actualization and fulfillment of potential suggests humans have an innate desire to grow, develop, and reach their full potential (Maslow's hierarchy of needs)
• Highlights the importance of subjective experiences and perceptions places value on an individual's unique thoughts, feelings, and interpretations of their life experiences
• Adopts a holistic view of the individual considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, rather than focusing on isolated traits or behaviors
• Emphasizes the importance of the present moment and direct experience (here-and-now focus)

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

• Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory that proposes five levels of human needs arranged in a hierarchical order (physiological, safety, love and belongingness, esteem, self-actualization)
• The hierarchy is often depicted as a pyramid, with lower-level needs at the base and higher-level needs at the top
• Maslow argued that lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed suggests individuals cannot focus on personal growth and self-actualization until their basic survival and security needs are met
• Self-actualization represents the highest level of psychological development involves realizing one's full potential and becoming the best version of oneself (achieving personal goals, living authentically)
• Maslow believed self-actualization can only be achieved when lower-level needs are met emphasizes the importance of satisfying basic needs before pursuing higher-level goals
• Self-actualized individuals may experience moments of intense joy and fulfillment (peak experiences)

Rogers' ideal vs real self

• Ideal self represents the person an individual aspires to be, based on their values, goals, and societal expectations reflects the self-concept one strives to achieve (being successful, kind, or respected)
• Real self represents the person an individual actually is, based on their authentic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors reflects the self-concept that aligns with one's true nature and experiences
• Congruence refers to the degree of alignment between an individual's ideal self and real self occurs when a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are consistent with their self-image
• High congruence is associated with self-acceptance, authenticity, and psychological well-being allows individuals to live in accordance with their true selves and experience greater life satisfaction
• Incongruence refers to the discrepancy between an individual's ideal self and real self occurs when a person's experiences and behaviors do not match their self-image (pretending to be someone they are not)
• Incongruence can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and dissatisfaction with life may result in the development of defense mechanisms to cope with the discrepancy (denial, projection)
• Rogers believed that individuals have an innate tendency to move towards growth and self-actualization (organismic valuing process)

Additional Humanistic Concepts

• Existential psychology focuses on the human condition and the search for meaning in life
• Self-determination theory emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and personal growth
• The concept of a fully functioning person describes an individual who is open to experience, lives in the moment, and trusts in their own decision-making abilities
• Humanistic approaches often emphasize experiential learning as a means of personal growth and self-discovery