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Lecture 7: Basic theoretical models of human functioning used in clinical psychology part IV. Introduction to clinical psychology Anna Gabińska, Ph.D. Lecture overview  Humanistic and existential model  Humanistic and existential models  Both emphasize: ◦ self-development: the drive to b...

Lecture 7: Basic theoretical models of human functioning used in clinical psychology part IV. Introduction to clinical psychology Anna Gabińska, Ph.D. Lecture overview  Humanistic and existential model  Humanistic and existential models  Both emphasize: ◦ self-development: the drive to better self, finding the meaning of life. ◦ the integrity/wholeness of the individual.  Similar to psychoanalytic model as they are insight- focused.  On the contrary to psychoanalytic model, it is not assumed that human nature is something in need of restraint Important figures: - Humanistic: Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, Fritz Pearl - Existential: Rollo May, Irving Yalom, Victor Frankl Humanistic and existential models  Reality: ◦ The product of our unique experiences and perceptions of the world; subjective universe is more important than the events themselves  We should appreciate the world from the individual's point - individual uniqueness  We have the ability to become what we want and to fulfill our capacities Humanistic and existential models  The humanist view – acceptance & growth ◦ emphasis on people as friendly, cooperative, and constructive; ◦ humanity is basically good, forward-moving, and trustworthy ◦ focus on drive to self-actualization  The existentialist view - responsibility & freedom ◦ emphasis on self-determination, choice and individual responsibility ◦ focus on authenticity 5 Anxiety in humanistic and existential models  Humanistic Paradigm ◦ All people are striving to reach self-actualization; ◦ Anxiety occurs when there is a discrepancy between one’s self-perceptions and one’s ideal self; ◦ Client-Centred Therapy – Carl Rogers ◦ Gestalt Therapy – Fritz Pearl  Existential Paradigm ◦ Anxiety arises when what individuals does not bring meaning in their lives (Viktor Frankl) ◦ Learning to relate authentically, spontaneously to others  Rogers’s Humanistic Theory  Basic human need for unconditional positive regard ◦ If received, leads to unconditional self-regard ◦ If not, leads to conditions of worth  Incapable of self-actualization because of distortion – one does not know what he/she really needs.  societies apply to people “conditions of worth” - everyone must behave in certain ways to receive rewards (attention, acceptance, love, belonging)  Obtaining these rewards implies that you are worthy.  Main drive: “the actualizing tendency.” ◦ Every person aims to develop all capacities in ways that maintain or enhance the organism and move it toward autonomy. ◦ people are inherently motivated toward achieving positive psychological functioning. 7 Rogers’s Humanistic Theory Abnormality results from lack of caring and support. If left unencumbered by societal restrictions, we would become fully functioning people. Development of abnormal behavior occurs when society imposes conditions of worth on people so that their self-concept and actualizing tendency become incongruent. Such incongruence produces behavior disorders. Abnormal behavior results from disharmony between a person’s potential and self-concept. Unconditional positive regard: value and respect a person, separate from one’s actions Figure 12.9 Rogers’s view of personality structure Rogers’s Person centered Therapy ◦ Therapist creates a supportive climate  Unconditional positive regard  Accurate empathy  Genuineness  a non-directive form of talk therapy.  Therapist and the client are equal partners ◦ Little research support 10 Abraham Maslow  Actualizing tendency: ◦ People are motivated to satisfy not only biological needs, but also the self  Self-actualization: ◦ Inherent tendency to strive toward realization of one’s full potential (to become your best or actual self/fulfill your potential as a human being) Figure 12.11 Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Figure 12.12 Maslow’s view of the healthy personality  Existential Model  Stresses a quest for meaning in life  Is less optimistic than humanistic therapy  Individual must be viewed in context of human condition  Stresses not only individual responsibility but also responsibility to others  Criticized as “fuzzy,” ambiguous, and nebulous nature  Relates to spirituality  Existential Model  psychological dysfunction is caused by self- deception.  people hide from life’s responsibilities and fail to recognize that it is up to them to give meaning to their lives.  In therapy, people are encouraged to accept personal responsibility for their problems ◦ Goals more important than technique ◦ Great emphasis placed on client-therapist relationship 15 Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 7e Evaluating Humanistic Perspectives  Humanistic theories are credited with highlighting the importance of a person’s subjective view of reality. They are also applauded for focusing attention on the issue of what constitutes a healthy personality.  They are criticized for lacking a strong research base, poor testability and what may be an overly optimistic view of human nature (Maslow had a hard time finding live people who had self- actualized).  Weakened by disapproval of scientific approach Criticisms of humanistic and existential approaches: “Fuzzy,” ambiguous, nebulous nature Applied to a restricted population Creative in describing human condition, but not in constructing theory Not suited to scientific or experimental investigation Subjective, intuitive, and empathic; not empirically based Effective with intelligent, well-educated, relatively “normal” clients, not severely disturbed clients  Humanistic Psychotherapy umbrella: Existential therapy Gestalt therapy Person-centered therapy Compassion-focused therapy Emotion-focused therapy Solution-focused therapy Transactional analysis Motivational Interviewing Positive Psychology Interventions Strenght-based counselling Please watch this: Attachment vs. autheniticity: https://youtu.be/l3bynimi8HQ A Conversation with Carl Rogers: The Job of a Therapist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cabN4yE2fZo Irvin Yalom: The Art of Psychotherapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdTFqpItd8I& list=PLAC6564852C9AA64B