Humanistic/Existential perspectives - the “third force movement” in psychology:
a reaction to the determinism of psychoanalysis / behaviorism (1940s-50s).
Maslow's Self-Actualization Position
BIOGRAPHY
Studies law to please dad but,
did not want to deal only with "evil men."
His first kiss was a true "Peak Experience"
Found Wundt's structuralism boring, worked with Harry Harlow, observing
primate behavior was beginning of his ideas on "self actualization."
CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
self-actualization - developing and fulfilling one’s “true” unique nature. A healthy
society is needed for optimal growth and development.
humanistic biology - Maslow’s attempt to establish a value system for the
determination
of good and bad (free of context and relativism). Huh!
Maslow’s “Pyramid” - visual representation of his "hierarchy of human needs."
deficiency (basic) vs. growth (meta) needs
deficiency (basic) needs - basic needs (food water, etc.) which must be met
before
one can move towards “self-actualization.”
Average people - unfortunately are too busy dealing with basic needs of day to
day living to put a lot of effort into “self actualizing” (Richman)
I First (lower) four levels are basic needs:
1. physiological - food, water, sleep, sex.
2. safety - security, law and order, freedom from fear.
3. belongingness and love - D Love (deficiency love) and then B Love (being
love):
D love is a selfish need of love from others. After getting it, one can unselfishly
love others (B Love).
4. esteem needs - both (a) self respect for our own competence and (b) respect
from others.
II. growth (meta) needs – (5th or top level) higher level needs, in particular “selfactualization.”
the “Jonah Complex” - a fear of, and shying away from, new responsibilities and
the unknown.
Hyland’s view - avoiding success may not be unhealthy. It may represent a
rational choice to sacrifice success for other goals (peace, serenity).
“desacralizing” attitude - tendency to be disrespectful, cynical, and mistrustful.
Maslow is especially concerned when this occurs in adolescents (blames it on
bad and permissive parenting).
D-cognition vs. B-cognition
1. D-cognition involves an attitude towards self and others that is judgmental and
disapproving.
2. B-cognition involves an attitude towards self and others that is non-judgmental
and validating.
Peak experiences - are associated with B-cognition. They are states when
things happen naturally, and without effort.
B-Cognition is not perfect, having "two dangers"
1. one can get so caught up in
the experience that dangers are ignored AND
2. one can be too tolerant and
accepting of others.
“Flow” - Csikszentmihalyi (1990), We’ll call him Mr. C, has written on the concept
of “flow,” similar to Maslow’s peak experience concept.
Maslow’s study of “self actualizers” - Maslow studied “the best” of humanity,
including
friends, historical figures. He suggests that they have a “more efficient
perspective of reality,” and other healthy qualities. They are not perfect though.
Identifying self actualizers - Maslow used an “iterative” system involving
projective techniques. The resulting definition of self actualization may be simply
a
reflection of his own value system.
ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) - developed by Shostrom (1963) is a more
reliable measure of self actualization. Paper and pencil questionnaire using a
“forced choice” format. Very “face valid” and fakable to someone knowledgeable
about humanistic psychology.
THEORY'S IMPLICATIONS FOR THEREAPY
neurotics - are those who have been prevented from reaching their potential (i.e.,
actualizing). Therapy needs to be interpersonal, supportive, and provide a warm
environment in which the patient can "grow."
Applied value - Maslow's theory has influenced pastoral and educational
counselors.
Industrial Organizational Psychology - many in this area have embraced
Maslow’s
theory. These IO folks really like it!