Biological And Humanistic Approaches To Personality

Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality
PSY/250
University of Phoenix

Theories in the field of psychology, more specifically personality, strongly rely on the collection of observational data. These observations are key in the development of certain theories. However, conflicting theories often arise. For that reason, in order to understand personality, different approaches must be studied. The biological approach explains that genes and hormones play a large role in personality development. Biological theorists follow the belief that genetics control personality and rely on thinking rather than feeling (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). On the other hand, humanistic approaches find self-actualization, spirituality, and personal
Maslow believed that personality is linked to hereditary and human potential. This is due to his idea that the natural drive for self-actualization comes from the inside of a person rather than from the outside (Friedman & Schustack, 2009). According to his theory, the biological needs, such as food and shelter, need to be met before moving on to meeting psychological needs. He divided these needs into two categories: deficiencies, which are our needs or motives, and safety needs, which are necessary for survival. The physiological needs are the basic things we need such as food, water and shelter. The safety needs are psychological things we need to survive. For example, the need for relationships, belonging, and/or love. The humanistic perspective has more in common with Maslow’s theory on personality development than genetics do as they both share the tendency for
He also believed that all humans are instinctively good. The humanistic theory focuses on human potential, purpose, and values as the key motivational drives. With his humanist ideas, Rogers suggested that each person is responsible for his or her life and maturity (Freidman & Schustack, 2009). The humanistic theory explains the idea that people naturally develop toward self-actualization, and unlike the biological explanation of personality, humanists reject the proposal that individuals are controlled by unconscious or environmental forces. The key point of this theory that cannot be over looked is that human beings have free will, the right to make their own choices. Whether the choice is good or bad is not of concern, simply the fact that humans can control their own destiny is what is important. As a result, heredity, environmental, and biological factors are no longer in control of personality development. As a result, Rogers believed that people are inherently creative, capable of self-directing, able to make constructive changes, and able to live flourishing, effective, and productive lives (McLeod, 2007). While humanistic and biological theories have many differences and fewer similarities, both are likely to produce great results when approaching individual