Describe what it is meant by the innate drive of humans to achieve their maximum potential. (8 marks)
This statement was a fundamental ideology in Humanistic psychology which emerged as a third force because it focused on the essentially positive aspects of each person. Having an innate ability to achieve maximum potential meant that everyone was capable of self-direction and strives to find their innate goodness. Humanism encourages the fact that everyone has the ability to love, hope, and be creative. We are motivated largely because we have certain needs such as those in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Based on these optimistic outlooks on life, Maslow also developed his theories of self-actualization in the belief that we will work our way up the pyramid from the base of physiological needs so to find who we really are, achieve the goals which are important to us, and grow both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, client-centered therapy developed by Roger’s also focuses on these principles. The patient, under a non-directive approach, is only guided to can reach a consistency with their real and ideal self and thus facilitate their own healing.
- Roger's idea that we are all born congruent and incogruence comes from life experiences. If treated with uncon pos regard, openness and empathy by others makes it possible for person to develop sense of self based on their own actualising tendancy.
- Victor Frankl- European ideas: existential vaccum, we are essentially alone, we want to achieve purpose in life.