Psychology 9-1 GCSE - 

7.1.3 - Understand the Humanistic Theory of Self, including strengths and weaknesses of each theory:

a) Humanistic explanations of the development of self-esteem -

Humanistic theories look at the whole individual and stresses concepts such as free will, self efficiency and self actualisation. Rogers (1951) believed feelings of self worth developed in early childhood and were formed by interactions of the child with their mother or father. 

b) Humanistic explanations of the development of personality - 

This is defined as 'the organised', the consistent set of perceptions and beliefs about ourselves. The self is the humanistic term for who we are as a person. It can be likened to the 'soul'. It is mainly influenced by our experiences in life and how we perceive them. Two primary sources are childhood experiences and evaluation by others. We want to feel, experience and behave in ways that are consistent with our self image.

Rogers (1951) - 

c) Conditional positive regard - 

This is where positive regard, praise and approval, depend upon the child. So behaving in ways that the parents deem correct. Hence the child is not loved for who he or she is, but for if they behave in an approved way. 

d) Unconditional Positive Regard - 

When a person is loved and accepted for who they are and this is not withdrawn if the person makes a mistake or does something wrong. 

e) Conditions of worth - 

External factors can effect how we value, or measure our own self worth based on our ability to meet certain conditions. 

f) Congruence -

When someones ideal self and self image are similar.

g) Incongruence -

When someones ideal self is different from their self image.

h) Maslow (1943) hierarchy of needs -

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Strengths - 

• A holistic view of learning.
• Has made major contributions to classroom learning.
• Focuses on making sure student feels safe and accepted before progressing.

Weaknesses - 

• Uses biographical analysis which is highly objective.
• The test group was limited to mostly highly educated white males.
• It has some aspects falsified as you don't *need* the bottom levels to progress.