...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Tamanieka Fields PSY/250 December21, 2015 Anney Synder Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. American Psychological Association (2013), "the discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged" (para. 1). American Psychological Association (2013), "in every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, "the understanding of behavior" is the enterprise of psychologists". Feist and Feist, (2009), “although no single definition is acceptable to all personality theorists, we can say that personality is a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that give both consistency and individuality to a person’s behavior” (p. 4). There are varying aspects that determine personality. Also, there are varying different approaches concerning the development of personality in psychology. An approach is a certain perspective involving particular assumptions; that is, in regard to personality for instance, the development of personality and what aspects affect such development. In regard to such approaches to personality, two approaches in particular, that is, biological and humanistic approaches provide explanations as to the development of personality. Not only do these two approaches explain the...
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...In a person’s family relatives may say a person has his or her mother’s eye’s and has their father’s nose, or say that a person acts like his or her mother or father. Some say these factors can pass through a person’s genes and other’s say that some actions are human nature. In this paper Delores will discuss the biological and humanistic approaches to personality. She will also discuss how growth needs influence personality formation, describe biological factors that influence the formation of personality, examine the relationship of biological factors to Maslow’s theory of personality, and explain the basic aspects of the humanistic theory, which are incompatible with biological explanations of personality. Biology revealed many aspects of how the human body works and what it needs to stay healthy. “In 1953 James D. Watson and Francis Crick discovered that DNA was structured as a double helix (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). This discovery was a huge accomplishment in the study of human biology. Charles Darwin took human biology a step further. Darwin used the fact that not one human being is the same to support his evolutionary personality theory. Darwin believes that humans are “people evolved directly from more primitive species (Friedman & Schustack, 2009).” For example, Brian G. Richmond and David S. Strait wrote an article called “Evidence that humans evolved from a knuckle-walking ancestor (Brian G Richmond and David S Strait 2000).” This article explains that evidence...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches Chicahuac Necahuatl PSY/250 November 16, 2015 Professor Teresa Neal Biological and Humanistic Approaches Introduction Abraham Maslow, the creator of the hierarchy of needs, saw the positive in all human beings. Maslow himself coming from a stressed childhood drew from personal experiences that people can overcome hardships and realize their true potential. In this study of Humanistic Psychology, areas of concern that are being addressed are; the extent in which growth needs influence personality formation. Other areas of interest are; biological factors that influence the formation of personality, the relationship of biological factors to Maslow’s theory of personality, and the basic aspects of humanistic theory as well as those incompatible with biological explanations of personality. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Abraham Maslow studied people with healthy, good lives instead of those with neurotics, hysterics, or any other kind of unhealthy people. From this study, Maslow put together a hierarchy of needs that fit all human beings. These basic and necessary needs consist of water, food, shelter, and sex. (“Friedman, & Schustack,” 2012). Choosing healthy ideal lives over those with unhealthy lives was determined by Maslow because of the fact that self-actualized people have a more realistic knowledge of themselves. These individuals are also known to be more accepting of their selves, (“Friedman, & Schustack,” 2012 p...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Erin F Watts PSY/250 September 21, 2012 Juliann Hector Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality When a person looks at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, one can see the basic map of the way people seek things out. Every aspect of a person’s identity is shaped with the help of basic human instincts and the needs that they seek to fulfill. Though it is critical to take this list of basic necessities into account when considering an individual’s personality, it is important not to overlook the affect that tendencies and biological factors play in designing one’s thoughts and reactions. When a child is first born, its thoughts are primarily focused on satiating their own hunger for food, comfort, and safety. Quick to learn, and a little selfish, a baby will catch on to certain truths. When it cries it will receive attention and food, meeting the first tier in the hierarchy of needs. In this level, Maslow explains that the first things a person seeks are the physiological kind. These are things like food, water, and sleep. Though there are certain factors that also play into this, this need will help determine how fussy one may turn out. If the baby gurgles or coos a certain way it garners more attention from its guardian, things like this help shape a person. The next urge humans seek to have met is safety. Everyone learns to do things a certain way to make sure they have nurturing and protective environment. If a...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality PSY/250 February 23, 2014 Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Within an individual’s family an individual can have his or her Fathers individual body features or Mother’s features, additional one behaves like his or her Father or Mother. These aspects evolve from an individual’s genes; however, others believe the way an individual behaves is because of human nature. Biological and humanistic approaches within personality are complex. Needs can pressure an individual’s personality development, and biological factors can additionally influence an individual’s personality. The relationship of biological factors regarding Maslow’s theory, can explain the vital factors regarding the personality. Biological and Humanistic Approaches Biology has exposed various features regarding how an individual’s body works and what the body will need to stay in good health. “In 1953 James D. Watson and Francis Crick discovered that DNA was structured as a double helix” (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). This achievement was especially admired within psychology regarding human biology. Charles Darwin used the actuality that not one individual is alike. He was able to support his historical theory because of this. According to Darwin, individuals developed from a primordial species (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). For example, the article “Evidence that humans evolved from a knuckle-walking ancestor (Brian G Richmond &...
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...Biological & Humanistic Approaches to Personality By enwbe1982 | November 2010 Zoom In Zoom Out Page 1 of 4 Biological & Humanistic Approaches to Personality Biological & Humanistic Approaches to Personality When breaking down the differences with how Abraham Maslow used personality and development that consisted of theories based solely on the personality part of human needs. His hierarchy of needs pyramid shows the influences of human needs to the formation of unique individual personality. There are factors of biological needs that influence the formation of the way the personality has an impact role, which shapes relationships by reviewing Maslow’s personality theory. By reviewing the relationships you will be able to see focused similarities and it’s upcoming. Analyzing the aspects that are essential to the theory of humanistic approach with the personality of explanations will enlighten you to the differential views of each individual theory of personality. Describing Humanistic Needs Abraham Maslow shows us how he sees the makeup of individual personality. Each need and stage is based on priority. Maslow's theory shows us the influences of the human needs to personality. Physiological needs; health, food, water, shelter, clothing, sleep, and sex. Coping information is needed to meet these needs. Safety and security, helping information, need to feel safe from physical danger. The ability to have a sense of security, knowing what to expect, is a good example...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality PSY/250 April 23, 2013 Richard Dehmer Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality All people have unique personalities, but not all analysts agree on how personalities are formed. This paper will discuss the hierarchy of needs. This theory uses five levels that each individual must progress through to reach self-actualization. This theory of personality also aligns with the Biological theory in the same ways. Individuals must meet basic needs of happiness to more to another level and self-awareness, or self-actualization. First Level “Maslow divided organismic needs into two categories. First, he identified several categories of deficiency needs—“D-needs” (or “D-motives”)—which are necessary for survival. The physiological needs are the basic biological necessities such as food, water, sex, and shelter. (Friedman & Schustack, (2009), pg. 304).” By working and making a living, Danette is meeting her need for food, drink, and shelter. She also fulfills the sleep, warmth by owning a home. Second Level The second stage includes the safety needs of an individual. This stage seems easy enough to fulfill, but some individuals do not find it as easy as others. Safety needs differ based on what makes an individual feel safe and secure. This stage covers the basic needs, but some individuals may have a longer list of needs. Once the needs on this level are met, Danette can move on to the next level. ...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Cecil A. Shelton Psy/250 3/20/14 Nicole Jack Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Our environment defines the needs and the order that we require those necessities to be met. Dr. James D. Watson “claims that who we are is there in our genes.” –unless you were African whom Watson felt had an inferior genetic code (the latter remark resulted in dismissal from a prestigious research laboratory) (Friedman & Schustack, 2011). Biologically, we are destined to exist in a manner that is predetermined by our ancestors however; humanistic factors suggest that our environmental influences create a personality unrelated to our needs. Mind, body, and soul collide in these two worlds of biological and humanistic approaches and evaluating the basic aspects shall reveal either the truth or just create more questions. According to Friedman and Schustack, biological factors combine with the other aspects of personality in complex ways to produce patterns of behavior. A human beings temperament plays a very significant role in developing traits that are used to bridge childhood to adult formation. Abraham Maslow states, ``Self-actualizing people are gratified in all their basic needs of belongingness, affection, respect, and self-esteem (Norwood, 2014). These essentials require a person to be extremely honest with the person in the mirror because not doing so can lead to not identifying the minimum goals...
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...This paper will use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to discuss the extent to which growth needs influence personality information. It will explain biological factors that influence the information personality. In this paper it will explain the relationship of biological factors to Maslow’s theory of personality. It will describe the basic aspects of humanistic theory that are incompatible with biological explanations of personality. Abraham Maslow (1954) book Motivation and Personality was published to combine elements of a large amount of knowledge connected to characteristics of motivation (Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs motivational model, 1995). Before Maslow, researchers usually concentrated distinctly with the conditions of achievement, biology or the ability to understand what activates, directs, and maintains human behavior. Maslow presented facts supposed to be true and hierarchy of human needs with the importance of two groups; growth needs and deficiency. With deficiency needs one must be up to standard on the lower needs before up to the higher level of needs. After these needs have been met, if at a later time a deficiency is discovered, the person will take action to get rid of the deficiency. Maslow divided organismic needs into two categories. First, he identified several categories of deficiency needs—“D-needs” (or “D-motives”) which are necessary for survival (Friedman & Schustack, 2012). A) Physiological needs are the basic needs food, water, shelter, sex...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Toni Hitner PSY/250 October 19, 2011 Mackenzie Glander Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality In this paper, I will show you how Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers agreed on the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and also the biological and humanistic approach. “The hierarchy of needs theory remains valid today for understanding human motivation, management training, and personal development” (Orana, 2009). Maslow’s book Personality and Motivation was published in 1954 introducing his theory of the hierarchy of needs. Abraham Maslow Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) first introduced his concept of the hierarchy of needs in his 1943 paper, “A Theory of Human Motivation”. This hierarchy (formerly known as Maslow’s triangle) suggests that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to the next level of needs. The lowest part of the pyramid is made up of the most basic needs, while the more complicated needs are located at the top of the pyramid. As people progress up the pyramid, the needs become more psychological and social. Carl Rogers and Maslow emphasized on the importance of self-actualization. There are five different levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as follows: The first level is the physiological needs level. “These level includes the most basic needs that is needed for survival, such as food, water, air, shelter, and sleep” (Cherry, 2010). Maslow believed that these needs...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality By, Keyanna PSY/250 10/05/15 Christine Hander Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Abraham Maslow was one of the founders of humanistic psychology. Unlike the psychologist before him, he decided to study healthy human beings and their traits and come up with his own theory of why people are the way they are. While casting his studies, he came up with his hierarchy of needs theory. This theory is often explained and envisioned as a pyramid. The most basic needs were at the bottom. They consisted of food, breathing and air, sex, water, sleep and a lot of other things we take for granted daily. The second from the bottom involved safety and how feeling safe in your environment affects you. These characteristics are security of employment, morality, family safety, health and property. Third from the bottom was love and belonging. These traits are friendship, family and sexual encounters. Second from the top is where esteem lies. These traits consist of self-esteem, confidence, respect of others and for others and achievement. At the very top of the pyramid is where self-actualization lies. Self-actualization consist of morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, and lack of prejudice and acceptance of facts (Wikipedia.com 2015). In his hierarchical of needs, lower needs have to be largely satisfied in order for higher needs to become of importance (Friedman & Schustack, 2011). I must admit...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Sophia Williams-Ivey PSY/250 December 21, 2015 Anne Snyder Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Throughout the movement of human psychology over the years, going back to the early 20th century we learned about the dominant theories then, such as psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud, which suggest that sexual urges and aggression drive human beings. Secondly, the behaviorism that was done by J. Watson and B. F. Skinner, this study put human beings as programmed lab rats that only do or behave how they are told. There were a lot of controversy regarding these theories as the people argue that these were not credible because these theories portray human beings as faulty machines. . (Friedman & Schustak, 2011, para. Chapter 5, 9). The theories of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, over the years, had dehumanized our understanding of ourselves and what it means to be human. However here arose Abraham Maslow with a new outlook on human psychology called humanistic psychology. Maslow knew that there was more to the human mind and developed a drive to discover positive mental health and happiness, and not just mental illness and misery. So to enhance his theory he placed his main focus on what people can do as opposed to their limitations. His hierarchy of needs has played a major stand in human behavior and achievements. (Nettle, 2008). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs The hierarchy of need was developed by Maslow...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality The stages of human development are influenced by biological and humanistic theories. Maslow's hierarchy of needs stresses the need for and individual to discover their own personality and gain self-control in their personal life. Abraham Maslow had a theory that an individual will desire more in life once they have accomplished the basic needs in life. Humanistic features of personality focus on freedom and self-fulfillment. Unlike Maslow, Hans Eysenck and other theorist proclaimed that personality comes from a biological approach that an individual’s behavior is influenced by genetics. The following will consist of a description of how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs influence personality formations, biological factors that influence the formation of personality, the examination of the relationship of biological factors by Maslow’s theory of personality, along with basic aspects of humanistic theories incompatible with biological descriptions of personality. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory of human motivation based on biological, safety, love and belongingness, esteem, and self- actualization. Personality is influenced by ideas that create a foundation of an individual's life relations and peak experiences. An individual's experiences assist an individual to transform and discover the inner self. Peak experiences are familiar to individuals whom have matured and discovered their full potential. Maslow believed that...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality PSY 250 Biological and humanistic styles are the two most commonly used to describe the approach towards personality. Referencing theories in the process of biological development, various processes have been used in an attempt to fill the gap that is between the genes of a person and the personality they will end up developing. Under this there is the anatomical approach that explains the functions and structures of the brain and biochemical that attributes all this to the neurotransmitters and hormones. Besides that, there is Abraham Maslow who has a different theory when it pertains to personality. According to this theory personality of a person will be developed due to the various experiences and realities that they encounter in life (Vigil, 2002). Maslow had a belief in the hierarchy of human needs. In order to the proper definition of the human needs an individual has to start in defining the needs by completing one group of needs before proceeding to the next group. Hence Maslow came up with a pyramid in which the needs were classified. At the lowest point of the scale were those needs that are basic and as they progress it gets more complicated to the most complex of needs at the top of the pyramid. At the bottom are the basic needs that include food, water, sleep and warmth. The next level is that where a person has to be given the provision of being safe and secure in the pyramid. The nest level of needs in...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality PSY/250 September 2, 2014 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was a very interesting topic that I learned quite a bit about. He wanted to understand what motivates people, motivation is what drives people to accomplish goals in their lives or better yet set them. Maslow’s Needs are set at 5 levels and when unmet the physical body as well as mental has some type of reaction. The lower basic needs to be met before climbing the ladder to higher needs. Maslow put his research and findings in to easier terms for me to understand, so I feel as though I can talk about it a little better than trying to explain other theorists’ theories. There are 5 stages within the hierarchy needs which include: biological and physical needs, safety needs, love and belongingness, self-esteem, and self-actualization needs. Our basic needs in life like sleep, water, air food, and shelter fall under the biological and physical needs without these it would be hard for us to meet any needs throughout life, we would probably be dead or laying in a hospital somewhere with tons of tubes hooked up to our bodies. Love and belongingness is the intimacy, affection, friendship, and love portion of our lives. As Freud discussed these types of things start happening around the age of 6 in which he explained was our social relations. Safety needs cover law, order, freedom of fear, and stability. We all have to have some type of structure to follow for our lives or...
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