Humanistic Approachto Personality

Mr. KochAP Psychology

Forest Lake High School

Humanistic Perspective

• Personality develops through an actualizing tendency that unfolds with each person’s unique perceptions of the world– People naturally inclined toward goodness,

creativity, love, and joy

Carl Rogers• “Actualizing tendency”

• Innate inclination toward growth that motivates all people

• Key elements are theory of “self” and desire for “positive regard”– Evaluations by self and others may be

“congruent” or “incongruent”– Influences “self-concept” (way one

thinks of oneself)• Unconditional vs. conditional positive regard

Abraham Maslow

• Actualization is not just a capacity, but a need– Most do not reach because

distracted by lower needs• “Deficiency orientation”– Preoccupation with perceived needs

for things a person does not have• “Growth orientation”– Tendency to draw satisfaction from

what is available in life

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs