HUMANISTIC LEARNING THEORY

Overview
The assumption is that each individual is unique and that all individuals have a desire to grow in
a positive way.
The cornerstones of a humanistic approach to learning:
Spontaneity
Importance of emotions and feelings
The right of individuals to make their own choices
Human creativity
It is a theory which is compatible with nursings focus on caring and patient centeredness-an
orientation that is increasingly challenged by:
Emphasis in medicine and healthcare on:
o Science
o Technology
o Cost efficiency
o For profit medicine
o Bureaucratic organization
o Time pressures

Motivational theory
Psychodynamic theory Humanistic Perspective

Persons needs Subjective feelings Desire to grow Curiosity Positive self-concept
Open situations



Humanistic Theories
In the 1950s, some of these psychologists began a school of psychology called humanism.
In the humanistic view, people are responsible for their lives and actions and have the freedom
and will to change their attitudes and behavior.
Two psychologists, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, became well known for their humanistic
theories.
Abraham Maslows Theory
The highest rung on Abraham Maslows ladder of human motives is the need for self-
actualization.
Maslow said that human beings strive for self-actualization, or realization of their full potential,
once they have satisfied their more basic needs.
Psychodynamic theories tend to be based on clinical case studies and therefore lack accounts of
healthy personalities.

Assumption is that basic-level needs must be met before individuals can be concerned with
learning and self-actualizing.
Carl Rogers theory
Carl Rogers, another humanistic psychologist, proposed a theory called the person-centered
theory. He also drew from the ideas of Maslow and others.
In Rogerss view, the self-concept is the most important feature of personality, and it includes all
the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs people have about themselves.

Congruence and Incongruence
Rogers said that peoples self-concepts often do not exactly match reality.
For example, a person may consider himself to be very honest but often lies to his boss about
why he is late to work.
Rogers used the term incongruence to refer to the discrepancy between the self-concept and
reality.
Congruence, on the other hand, is a fairly accurate match between the self-concept and reality.
More of the humanistic view
Listening is the skill needed.
Establishing rapport and becoming emotionally attached are important.
Humanistic psychology contends that feelings and emotions are the keys to learning,
communication, and understanding.
The primary focus are the subjective needs and feelings of the learner.
A principal emphasis is on the healing nature of the therapeutic relationship.
Weaknesses
Humanistic theories are too navely optimistic and fail to provide insight into the evil side of
human nature.
Humanistic theories, like psychodynamic theories, cannot be easily tested.
Many concepts in humanistic psychology, like that of the self-actualized person, are vague and
subjective. Some critics argue that this concept may reflect Maslows own values and ideals.
Humanistic psychology is biased toward individualistic values.






Written Output
In
Health Education
(Humanistic Learning Theory)



Submitted by:
Group 2 BSN 3-A:
Arandia, Angelie
Calubag, Glory Grace
Delos Reyes, Pearl
Elnas, Monnick
Gravoso, Ma. Nina Blesshie
Igdalino, Jofelyn
Morrero, Clark Andrew
Pedrosa, Holly Anne


Submitted to:
Mrs. Wilma M. Ruiz, RN,MAN
Clinical Instructor