Raxton Ramble: Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories Matrix

PSY 405 Personality Theories

September 9, 2013

Theory

Assumptions

Reliability

Validity

Application

Holistic-Dynamic Theory

Through the workings of Abraham Maslow, the holistic-dynamic theory began a movement toward identifying the motivations of individuals. This theories assumption suggests that different compulsive needs motivate “the whole person” in an effort to reduce anxiety, which eventually become known as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 279). These needs, although conative are basic needs that a person must satisfy continually before moving to the next need (e.g., physiological, safety, love and belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization). Without fulfilling the most basic of needs one cannot move onto the next.

Although Maslow’s hierarchy is internally consistent and frequently quoted and used in psychological practices to explain the motivations of individuals, unclear language, and an often complex model suggests his work is only moderately parsimonious.

Maslow himself could not verify his theory on self-actualization but his work has generated considerable research opportunity. Even with that his theory rates low on the falsifiability criterion because according to Feist and Feist (2009), Maslow left no clear guide on the process to self-actualization.

Maslow’s theory on personality is frequently generating research, which supports his theories on the fulfillment order of needs (Reiss & Havercamp, 2006; as restated by Feist & Feist, 2009). Another application of Maslow’s theory is a relatively new psychology, namely, postive psychology. This new field uses Maslow’s positive experiences theory in the re-experience process of writing and thinking as a way to provide or enhance awe-inspiring emotions (Feist & Feist, 2009).

In addition to the positive psychology research, Bauer and McAdams (2004a) as restated by Feist and Feist (2009) indicate the use of Maslow’s self-actualization assumptions to research intrinsic and extrinsic personality development associated with aging.

Person-Centered Theory

There are two basic assumptions associated with the person-centered theory. First the formative tendency, which suggests that matter (humans, animals, and plants) has a tendency “…to evolve from simpler to more complex forms” (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 313). Second and most important is the actualizing tendency, which suggests that “humans… move toward [the] completion or fulfillment of [his or her] potential” (Rogers, 1959, 1980; as restated by Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 313).

There has been much research on the person (or client)-centered theory with some positive results; however, those such as the “Chicago Studies” were too bias for reliability (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 330-333). Regardless, participants in the program did show some improvements, even if it was only minimal. Although the theories ability to organize knowledge is lacking, it can be helpful to therapists as a guide for solving practical problems. Thus client-centered theory is reliable; to some extent.

The Rogerian theory, according to Feist and Feist (2009) receives a high rating on internal consistency with some mild language difficulties. The theory itself does meet the standards of falsification; meaning it can withstand the “if-then framework” making the person-centered theory one of the only theories to meet this criterion thus far (p. 337).

There has been “quite a bit of empirical research” on the Rogerian theory according to Feist and Feist (2009, p. 333). The bulk of this research focuses on Roger’s notions of incongruence. Research is also working on Roger’s theories of motivation and goal pursuits as it pertains to the organismic valuing process (OVP); meaning, gut feelings (Sheldon and colleagues, 2003; as restated by Feist & Feist, 2009).

Existential Psychological Theory

In May’s approach to the existential psychological theory his assumption that people see themselves “as [being]-in-the-world” and experiencing life in the here and now, or there is a sense of nonbeing. That stated, May also suggests that in this, each person is ultimately responsible for who he or she becomes (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 342).

More of a philosopher than a psychologist working with empirical research, May’s theories fall short on most of the criterion required to make his theories reliable. However, according to Feist and Feist (2009), his theories were “broader and deeper” than many of the other personality theorists; thus his work receives a moderate rating on parsimony (p. 369).

May’s theories fall extremely short on falsifiability. With no structure that would allow one to confirm or disconfirm its concepts. Regardless, his work explores areas of humanity not previously researched and connects people to his or her humanity, though still neglects many other topics on human personality.

Although only moderately influential, May’s theory on existential anxiety has received some empirical attention (Feist & Feist, 2009). Referred to as “terror management,” Earnest Becker is working on instinctual motivation caused by fear and death (p. 363). Personality psychologists are also working on the morality salience and denial of human animal instincts. According to Goldenberg and Colleagues (2001) as restated by Feist and Feist (2009), as caporal beings humans tend to deny his or her animal nature. Their study is working on the cultural norms of doing so and the defenses (e.g., exercise) people use in denying his or her ultimate destiny (death).

References:

Feist, J., & Feist, G. J. (2009). Theories of personality (7^th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw Hill

Raxton Ramble

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories Matrix

No comments:

Post a Comment

Previous Ramblings

Theory	Assumptions	Reliability	Validity	Application
Holistic-Dynamic Theory	Through the workings of Abraham Maslow, the holistic-dynamic theory began a movement toward identifying the motivations of individuals. This theories assumption suggests that different compulsive needs motivate “the whole person” in an effort to reduce anxiety, which eventually become known as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 279). These needs, although conative are basic needs that a person must satisfy continually before moving to the next need (e.g., physiological, safety, love and belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization). Without fulfilling the most basic of needs one cannot move onto the next.	Although Maslow’s hierarchy is internally consistent and frequently quoted and used in psychological practices to explain the motivations of individuals, unclear language, and an often complex model suggests his work is only moderately parsimonious.	Maslow himself could not verify his theory on self-actualization but his work has generated considerable research opportunity. Even with that his theory rates low on the falsifiability criterion because according to Feist and Feist (2009), Maslow left no clear guide on the process to self-actualization.	Maslow’s theory on personality is frequently generating research, which supports his theories on the fulfillment order of needs (Reiss & Havercamp, 2006; as restated by Feist & Feist, 2009). Another application of Maslow’s theory is a relatively new psychology, namely, postive psychology. This new field uses Maslow’s positive experiences theory in the re-experience process of writing and thinking as a way to provide or enhance awe-inspiring emotions (Feist & Feist, 2009). In addition to the positive psychology research, Bauer and McAdams (2004a) as restated by Feist and Feist (2009) indicate the use of Maslow’s self-actualization assumptions to research intrinsic and extrinsic personality development associated with aging.
Person-Centered Theory	There are two basic assumptions associated with the person-centered theory. First the formative tendency, which suggests that matter (humans, animals, and plants) has a tendency “…to evolve from simpler to more complex forms” (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 313). Second and most important is the actualizing tendency, which suggests that “humans… move toward [the] completion or fulfillment of [his or her] potential” (Rogers, 1959, 1980; as restated by Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 313).	There has been much research on the person (or client)-centered theory with some positive results; however, those such as the “Chicago Studies” were too bias for reliability (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 330-333). Regardless, participants in the program did show some improvements, even if it was only minimal. Although the theories ability to organize knowledge is lacking, it can be helpful to therapists as a guide for solving practical problems. Thus client-centered theory is reliable; to some extent.	The Rogerian theory, according to Feist and Feist (2009) receives a high rating on internal consistency with some mild language difficulties. The theory itself does meet the standards of falsification; meaning it can withstand the “if-then framework” making the person-centered theory one of the only theories to meet this criterion thus far (p. 337).	There has been “quite a bit of empirical research” on the Rogerian theory according to Feist and Feist (2009, p. 333). The bulk of this research focuses on Roger’s notions of incongruence. Research is also working on Roger’s theories of motivation and goal pursuits as it pertains to the organismic valuing process (OVP); meaning, gut feelings (Sheldon and colleagues, 2003; as restated by Feist & Feist, 2009).
Existential Psychological Theory	In May’s approach to the existential psychological theory his assumption that people see themselves “as [being]-in-the-world” and experiencing life in the here and now, or there is a sense of nonbeing. That stated, May also suggests that in this, each person is ultimately responsible for who he or she becomes (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 342).	More of a philosopher than a psychologist working with empirical research, May’s theories fall short on most of the criterion required to make his theories reliable. However, according to Feist and Feist (2009), his theories were “broader and deeper” than many of the other personality theorists; thus his work receives a moderate rating on parsimony (p. 369).	May’s theories fall extremely short on falsifiability. With no structure that would allow one to confirm or disconfirm its concepts. Regardless, his work explores areas of humanity not previously researched and connects people to his or her humanity, though still neglects many other topics on human personality.	Although only moderately influential, May’s theory on existential anxiety has received some empirical attention (Feist & Feist, 2009). Referred to as “terror management,” Earnest Becker is working on instinctual motivation caused by fear and death (p. 363). Personality psychologists are also working on the morality salience and denial of human animal instincts. According to Goldenberg and Colleagues (2001) as restated by Feist and Feist (2009), as caporal beings humans tend to deny his or her animal nature. Their study is working on the cultural norms of doing so and the defenses (e.g., exercise) people use in denying his or her ultimate destiny (death).