PSY 328 Module Four Journal Guidelines and Rubric
Overview
As Abraham Maslow said in The Psychology of Science: A Reconnaissance, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail” (1966). In previous modules, we have learned about psychoanalysis, the new wave of psychoanalysis, and the trait tradition. In this module, we have learned about the humanistic approach. This approach challenges a potential cognitive bias in psychoanalysis that treats behavior as pathology, or something that can be diagnosed and treated. For this journal, we will step outside of the pathology lens on behavior and focus on the role of happiness, self-improvement, and compassion.
Prompt
For your journal, use the Module Four Journal Template Word Document to answer the following questions in about 2 to 5 sentences each. Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Analyzing Theory
Describe how humanism differs from the personality theories you have studied so far.
Explain the role of nature and nurture in the humanistic approach.
Describe the role of emotional intelligence in the humanistic approach.
Applying Theory to Society
Explain the role of systemic issues in society, such as a lack of equity, access, or opportunity in the hierarchy of needs.
The final course in your degree program will challenge you to think about your role as an agent of social change. Explain how the humanistic approach generally, or Maslow’s hierarchy specifically, relates to your initial thoughts about being an agent of social change in your community. You can think about how humanism influences your approach to systemic issues or the role that being an agent of social change has on your views of self-actualization.
Locate and summarize one external article that investigates limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy and systemic issues in society.
Applying Theory to Self
Thinking about the top of Maslow’s hierarchy, explain what self-actualization means for you. You can focus your answer as narrowly or holistically to your life experience as you would like. Consider what role school or your career has on your answer. Does success in those areas help you achieve self-actualization? Is it something else?
ANSWER
Analyzing Theory
Humanism differs from the personality theories studied so far in its focus on individual potential, self-actualization, and the subjective experience. Unlike psychoanalysis, which emphasizes unconscious motivations and defense mechanisms, humanism emphasizes conscious choices, personal growth, and the pursuit of self-fulfillment. Similarly, humanism contrasts with the trait tradition, which focuses on measuring and categorizing personality traits, by emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual and their capacity for change.
The humanistic approach places a significant emphasis on the interplay between nature and nurture. While acknowledging the influence of genetics and biological predispositions, humanism emphasizes the role of environmental factors, personal experiences, and free will in shaping an individual’s personality and potential. Humanistic theorists believe that individuals have the capacity to overcome challenges, develop their talents, and pursue their goals, regardless of their genetic makeup or past experiences.
Emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively, is considered a crucial component of self-actualization in the humanistic approach. Humanistic theorists believe that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to build strong relationships, cope with stress, make sound decisions, and pursue their personal goals. They emphasize the importance of developing emotional intelligence through self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation.
Applying Theory to Society
Systemic issues in society, such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare, can significantly hinder individuals’ ability to fulfill their basic needs and pursue self-actualization. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that individuals must first have their basic physiological and safety needs met before they can focus on higher-order needs like love, esteem, and self-actualization. When systemic issues prevent individuals from meeting their basic needs, they may experience chronic stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness, making it difficult to pursue personal growth and self-fulfillment.
As an agent of social change, I believe that the humanistic approach can provide a valuable framework for addressing systemic issues and promoting individual well-being. By recognizing the impact of systemic factors on individuals’ lives and emphasizing the importance of personal growth and self-actualization, we can develop more effective strategies for addressing social inequalities and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
External Article
In their article “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Does It Really Apply to People from All Cultures?” Henrich, Heine, and Norenzayan (2010) argue that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs may not be universally applicable across cultures. They present evidence suggesting that individuals from collectivistic cultures, which emphasize group harmony and interdependence, may prioritize group needs over individual needs. This suggests that Maslow’s hierarchy may be more relevant to individualistic cultures, where self-actualization is considered a central life goal.
Applying Theory to Self
Self-actualization for me means living a life aligned with my values, pursuing my passions, and making a positive impact on the world. It means continuously learning, growing, and expanding my horizons. It means using my skills and talents to help others and contribute to something larger than myself. While success in school and my career can contribute to self-actualization by providing opportunities for personal growth and fulfilling work, I believe it is ultimately about the journey, not the destination. Self-actualization is an ongoing process of self-discovery, exploration, and contribution.