The humanistic perspective continues to evolve around the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the positive aspect of human personality. When people have this type of perspective, they are aware how people perceive themselves and the world as well. Though this perspective may focus on, the optimistic side of human behavior, observation occurs to show that the personality develops from motivation to grow and actualize our selves. I decided to choose this perspective because it focuses on the understanding of our freedom of choice, personal growth, and individual abilities to deal with stress or meeting our desires and get a better understanding of ourselves (1). Furthermore, with the understanding of personal growth, freedom to make our own decisions, and just the way we handle the pessimistic view of life and conflict can help us understand the humanistic perspective (2). Choosing this perspective is a valuable aspect since it helps define our personality, social behavior, a way of thinking, the presence of both a good or bad vibe (spirit), and self-awareness (3). Self-actualization can help define our personality since it allows of thinking, being creative, showing our emotions, interaction with others, and overcoming the brick wall (1). This is what the humanistic perspective is all about how it deals with personality.
We all know about Maslow and his approach of self-actualization and the basic needs that we have to meet and will lead us to success. With this in mind, humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers (1902-1987) believes that people were born with a conscious that allows them to make the right choices in life. People are suppose to be show their true selves by realizing their genuine feelings rather than according to societal standards (1). The theory of self-concept is what Rogers concluded as an approach for a humanistic perspective. Self-concept deals with an individual’s overall view of their selves and their abilities to assess human behaviors. Rogers’ approach is that people are not acceptable with their true self. In other words we want to reflect ourselves to be someone we are not in order to have a higher condition of worth. The higher our image is to ourselves and others, the more congruent we are in order to find our real self, worry less about others, and our experiences will be more positive (4). Self-concept relates to the level of someone’s self-esteem; whether it is low, medium, or high, it relates to the concept of a person understand his or self’s personality and perspective (5).
Now that I have read and research about the humanistic perspective and the theory from both Maslow and Rogers, I find it interesting how I can relate to this perspective because in some form I have believe to have this sense of style or thinking that I use in my life. This all seem so complicated with the different perspectives and the different theories of personality. Along with the subject of hierarchy of needs, self-actualization, and self-concept, there are three methods that Rogers proposed to help a person to form a better positive self-concept if they have some negatives in their life: unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness (1). I can relate and analyze myself to these psychological aspects. As an overview, when I am approached by someone that is negative or bring up a topic that could lead into an argument, I try my best to use my beliefs of the humanistic perspective, to sort of push my thinking to change what they may believe to positive. I am a person of positive and I try to meet all needs to reach self-actualization and have the theme of self-concept. I am aware of my personality and the type of person I am. I generally stand out and according to Rogers, asses my abilities to where I am happy and not to be aligned with the stereotype of society. I am reaching self-actualization for myself and not for others (6). I believe that I have the personality of unconditional positive regard because I am open to hearing other people’s opinions and believes and acceptable of them though I may not get along with them or we may have opposite views on any given topic. I usually am accepting to others even if they have an inappropriate behavior; however, I kind of steer away from those types of people to help from more positive self-concept (1, 7).
The next method or characteristic of a positive self-concept is empathy. I am no a perfect person and usually centered about me and usually do not think of others in certain situations. This has happen a few times in my life. Depending on a person’s age and how often I talk to them or in certain situations, I will show empathy because I could understand their perspective versus mine and relate to how they feel. Often, I can not put myself in other people’s shoes per se; however, I am able to listen and help guide a person to a positive image; to make them feel wanted (8). The third method or characteristic is, genuine. When this word comes to mind, I try to be true and transparent as possible. In my life, being genuine and humanistic is important to me since I would want people to see how I really and not try to read. I have to be true myself in order to have a positive self-concept which needs a little tweaking. Nevertheless, I am more positive and opened about different people and situations I observe every day (1).
I have realized that everyone is not perfect, including me, but I can relate this personality of having a humanistic perspective since it sounds like the typical person I am. It somewhat defines the person I am. I am sure that the other perspectives from the textbook contribute to my personality as well. Although I can relate this perspective to my life and enjoyed reading about this very interesting subject, however, it is important that I am able to use this knowledge in my future career, in a relationship, and just in life general that will help be reach self-actualization.
- King, Laura A. The Science of Psychology.