PSY 328 Module 4 Journal

PSY 328 Module Four Journal Template For your journal, complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information. Your responses should each be about 2 to 5 sentences in length.  Analyzing Theory o Describe how humanism differs from the personality theories you have studied so far. Humanism differs from other theories because it puts emphasis on our conscious experience as humans and can be interpreted as a more spiritual approach to psychology. Humanism incorporates a person’s “cosmic ecology” which includes spiritual dimensions are how the person interprets their own consciousness, as in how aware are they of their own being? (Shiraev, E., 2016 pg. 267) o Explain the role of nature and nurture in the humanistic approach. Humanistic approach recognizes both sides, but I would say leans toward nurture seeing as it’s viewed as a holistic approach. (Mcleod, 2023) Humanism still acknowledges there are other aspects of psychology that are important in understanding how we think and feel but puts emphasis on your purpose and spiritual understanding. Both of those things can only be found internally, not externally. o Describe the role of emotional intelligence in the humanistic approach. Emotional intelligence plays a prominent role in the humanistic approach because the more self-aware you are, the higher emotional intelligence you’re capable of. The humanistic approach takes focus on internal drive and spiritual dimensions which can only be explained through someone who is emotionally intelligent enough to recognize the “bigger picture” and purpose.  Applying Theory to Society o Explain the role of systemic issues in society, such as a lack of equity, access, or opportunity in the hierarchy of needs. Systemic issues in society such as lack of equity, access, or opportunity exist as example of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs , where until you are satisfied with the level which you are on can you then proceed to the next one. The levels go in order starting with Physiological Needs, Safety Needs, Belonging and Love Needs, Esteem Needs, and finally Self-Actualization Needs. (Shiraev, E., 2016 pg. 274) The cut and dry answer is that systemic issues are in place so that the rich stay rich, and the poor stay poor. If there is not enough accessibility and resources to go beyond your means, the likelihood that you ever will is miniscule. o The final course in your degree program will challenge you to think about your role as an agent of social change. Explain how the humanistic approach generally, or Maslow’s hierarchy specifically, relates to your initial thoughts about being an agent of social change in your community. You can think about how humanism influences your approach to systemic issues or the role that being an agent of social change has on your views of self-actualization. The humanistic approach has been something I’ve been exploring for the last few years for myself. To understand myself, I had to get in touch with all parts of my 1

being and understand why I was feeling the way I did about life and lack of purpose. While I am excited to continue to learn and practice all aspects of psychology, I am also aware of the importance of finding purpose and the individual journey that we take to find and understand that purpose. After graduation I will be excitingly entering the counseling field and following my higher calling to a greater level. o Locate and summarize one external article that investigates limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy and systemic issues in society. The article Social Networks: What Maslow Misses from Psychology Today suggests that the biggest limitation of Maslow’s hierarchy is that he didn’t account for social connection. All beings rely on some sort of social connection to get through life, we as humans are the most solitary of creatures and we do it to ourselves psychologically. In this ever-progressing, technological society the ability to give and receive love and support is easier to access than Safety Needs in some cases, which is not the order Maslow introduced.  Applying Theory to Self o Thinking about the top of Maslow’s hierarchy, explain what self-actualization means for you. You can focus your answer as narrowly or holistically to your life experience as you would like. Consider what role school or your career has on your answer. Does success in those areas help you achieve self-actualization? Is it something else? As I briefly stated before, self-actualization has allowed me to find my higher purpose, which starts with finishing school and starting counseling and could eventually turn into something with more education in place for the future. Knowing who I am as a person and staying true to myself has opened doors for me that I would have never seen had I not taken the time to improve my emotional intelligence and practice mindfully being self-aware as often as I can. Some might even say I am a little too self-aware and I won’t argue that. I believe in paying attention to the synchronicities and knowing when I am on the right path in life and can tell quickly and fully when something isn’t made for me whether in that moment or in this lifetime. I believe knowing who you are in your soul and staying true to that is the most powerful thing we as humans can possess. References: Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023). Humanistic Approach in Psychology (humanism): Definition & Examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/humanistic.html Rutledge, P. (2011, November 8). Social networks: What Maslow misses. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/positively- media/201111/social-networks-what-maslow-misses-0 2