Personality Theories

Humanism
Week 3
 Background

● Maslow was an American psychologist born in

early 1900’s
● He studied individuals who he thought were
exceptional
● He felt that both Freud and Skinner were too
focused on the negative (pathology).
● His theory focused on well-being and achieving
one’s full potential.
Introduction
• The "third wave" in psychology
• Focus on internal motivators
• Optimistic view of human nature
• Stressed the importance of self-
determination and free will
• Importance of unique experiences
and capacity for good
 Maslow
• Studied creative and high-
functioning people
• Self-actualization
 Maslow
Hierarchy of Needs

• Human motivation rests on

fulfillment of five innate
needs divided into:
• Primary needs
(deficiency needs)
• Secondary needs
(growth needs)
 Maslow
Hierachy
of
Needs
 Maslow
Self-Actualization
• Self-actualization as highest need
• Complete development of self and
fulfilment of potential
• Characteristics of self-actualized
people
• Conditions for satisfaction of this need
 Criticism of Maslow

It lacks scientific
vigour The structuring of
higher-level needs
It is vague about is too rigid. In collectivist
how the concept cultures, the
of self- notion of self-
actualisation is actualisation may
derived. make no sense at
all.
 Thanks
Do you have any questions?

Remember to post them on the week 4

discussion board

Slides by: Dr Anwynne Kern

CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, and includes icons by
Flaticon, and infographics & images by Freepik