The Humanistic Approach (AQA A Level Psychology): Exam Questions

Dominic is unhappy and lacks confidence. He also thinks he is not very good-looking and not very clever. He goes to a counselling therapist for help. The therapist suggests that Dominic lacks congruence.

Outline what is meant by ‘congruence’. Explain one way in which Dominic might achieve ‘congruence’.

Outline Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Tatiana’s parents are concerned about her mobile phone use. She is an anxious child and has low self-esteem. Tatiana only feels good about herself when she receives messages or positive comments on social media. She feels safe when she has her phone and socially isolated without it.

Tatiana’s parents worry that her dependence on her mobile phone is starting to affect her well-being and achievement at school.

Outline and evaluate the humanistic approach. Refer to Tatiana’s behaviour in your answer.

Discuss self-actualisation and/or conditions of worth in explaining human behaviour.

Refer to the following scenario in your answer.

Tobias is a talented artist who feels unfulfilled in his office job. He wants to quit to paint full-time, but his parents have always told him that he will only be "successful" if he earns a high salary. Tobias feels anxious and unhappy despite being promoted recently.

Describe and evaluate the humanistic approach in psychology. Refer to Tobias’s situation in your answer.