Theoretical Perspectives on

Development

The Humanistic Theories

are called Organistic theories with a focus on the entire
person.
centralized on the drive toward self-actualization, to
realize ones full potential .
include personal growth, openness to experience, living
in the present, personal responsibility, and the inherent
goodness of people.

The Humanistic Theories

In contrast to Freudian determinism, humanists emphasize
personal responsibility and choice
The humanists view that persons are inherently good with
unique attributes for greatness
Today rather than the past
~There is more to human existence than dealing with
hidden conflicts (Anti-Freud)

The Humanists
Carl Rogers

Abraham Maslow

Who is Abraham Maslow?

1908-1970
grew up Jewish in a non-Jewish neighborhood
books are his bestfriends

forerunner of positive psychology

originally studied psychology because of his
intrigue with behavioral theory and the writings
of John B. Watson
rejected ideas of Freud and Skinner

We are born
with certain
needs.

Physiological Needs
Food
Oxygen
Water
Shelter
Sleep
Sex

Safety Needs
Security in our
environment
Stability and protection
Job security, insurance
and retirement plans

Esteem Needs
Achievement, education, competence
and respect
Lower level need for respect from others
Such as recognition, attention,
appreciation.
Higher level self respect
Such as confidence, competence,
mastery.

 Realize our fullest potential

Moments of transcendence.
To climb above culture.

People are a genetic

blueprint, to which
substance is added as
life progresses

Personality develops in service

to positive goals
Everyone has innate capacities,
capabilities, and potentials

*Goal of life: become the

best version of whatever
each of us is capable of
Rogers is regarded as the founder of psychotherapy research.

 Rogers described two needs as essential to

well-being:
The need for self-regard: an unconditional
positive view of the self
The need for self-actualization: a need to reach
ones full potential
Example: If you think you are intelligent you will
strive to live up to that image

What makes a person fully functioning?

Fully functioning an individual whose self-concept closely
resembles his or her inborn capacities or potentials.
Rogers maintained that to be fully
functioning, one must:

be open to experience
live in the moment
live life to the fullest
trust own intuition

Unconditional positive regardfull acceptance and

love of another person regardless of that persons
behavior.
Conditional Positive Regardacceptance and love
that are extended only when a person behaves in
certain ways and fulfills certain conditions.

What are some pros and cons to

Humanistic Personality Theories?