Human Personality - Essay Example

The comprehensiveness of the theory:

1. Is this theory robust?

The humanistic theories are not testable with empirical data due to the vague nature of their assumptions about human personality (Burger, 2010). This means that they are also not falsifiable as it is difficult to test their assumptions. These theories also lack predictive power and the ability to explain individual instances of behavior (McLeod, 2007). Thus, it is not possible to consider the Humanistic theories as Robust.

2. Does it account for all aspects of personality?

The humanistic theory provides adequate descriptions of the behaviors of a major part of the population; but is not as adequate when explaining the actions of an individual with a disordered personality or a very young child’s behavior. the theory predominantly focuses on the personality of normal adults from the Western culture (McLeod, 2007), and also does not account for the effects of biology and the unconscious mind.

3. Can you think of aspects it does not account for?

The theory does not explain how hormones and other biological factors affect personality (Burger, 2010). It also does not explain how the unconscious mind and the information stored in it affect the behavior of an individual (McLeod, 2007).

4. What does your book say about its comprehensiveness?

The humanistic theory is quite comprehensive when describing the average individual and their experiences (Burger, 2010); but cannot be considered a truly comprehensive theory of human personality and development as it does not account for a number of factors, and also does not explain the mechanism for disorders. thus the theory is not very comprehensive.

Applicability:

1. Does this theory lend itself to being applied and how?

The humanistic theory has been the basis for the development of the Person-Centered approach to counseling (Burger, 2010), the development of the understanding of gender roles and their development, and the development of interventions in the field of education. The theory provides a positive approach to human beings and thus asserts their ability to develop and enhance their abilities. The theory has also been used in the development of existential therapy (McLeod, 2007). In the industrial sector, it has been used to assess and enhance Job satisfaction by assessing the employee’s position on the hierarchy of needs and the extent to which these needs have been satisfied by the job (Burger, 2010). This information is then used to provide more satisfying experiences, and thus to increase job satisfaction.

2. Name instruments that are used to apply this theory. Provide the creator of the instrument and the purpose of the instrument.

Some well-known instruments used in the application of the Humanistic theory are the Self Efficacy and Self Esteem scales developed by Bandura (Burger, 2010). These self-report scales are used in the assessment of an individual’s self-concept, and in helping them to develop the relevant aspects of their personality. Jones and Crandall (1986) have developed another self-report measure that helps to assess the extent to which an individual experiences self-actualization (Burger, 2010).  These are only some of the instruments used that are based on humanistic theory.

Cultural Utility:

1. Is this theory used in other cultures and how does the book relate Humanistically in cultures?

The Humanistic approach is very global in its scope, and it provides explanations for all human beings regardless of cultural background. Thus, it becomes possible to apply elements of the theory to people from different cultures. Research has found that many concepts provided by Maslow and Rogers are applicable around the globe, although the context and intensity of human experiences are different. Applications based on the Humanistic theory like the person-centered approach and job satisfaction have been applied in many countries with success (Burger, 2010).

2. What cultures, countries and by whom?

Kohlberg, Alderfer, and Jane Loevinger among others have attempted to establish the universality of the humanistic approach. Studies have shown that elements of the humanistic approach may be successfully applied in not just the Western culture, but also in Australia, in Asian countries like Taiwan, and European countries like Germany and the United Kingdom among others. Research findings from different parts of the world are becoming available every day (Burger, 2010).