AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Humanistic psychology focuses on each individual’s potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization. The fundamental belief of humanistic psychology is that people are innately good and that mental and social problems result from deviations from this natural tendency.

Detailed explanation-2: -Carl Rogers believed that for a person to achieve self-actualization they must be in a state of congruence. This means that self-actualization occurs when a person’s “ideal self” (i.e., who they would like to be) is congruent with their actual behavior (self-image).

Detailed explanation-3: -Humanistic psychologists believe that an individual’s behavior is connected to inner feelings and self-image. Unlike the behaviorists, humanistic psychologists believe that humans are not solely the product of their environment.

Detailed explanation-4: -To Maslow, self-actualization meant the desire for self-fulfillment, or a person’s tendency to be actualized in what he or she is potentially. Individuals may perceive or focus on this need very specifically. For example, one individual may have a strong desire to become an ideal parent.

Detailed explanation-5: -Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory of self-actualization contends that individuals are motivated to fulfill their potential in life. Self-actualization is typically discussed in conjunction with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which posits that self-actualization sits at the top of a hierarchy above four “lower” needs.