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Figure 11.11 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow conceptualized personality in terms of a hierarchy of needs. The highest of these motivations is
self-actualization.
Perhaps the best-known humanistic theorist is Carl Rogers (1902–1987). Rogers was positive
about human nature, viewing people as primarily moral and helpful to others, and believed that
we can achieve our full potential for emotional fulfillment if the self-concept is characterized
byunconditional positive regard—a set of behaviors including being genuine, open to
experience, transparent, able to listen to others, and self-disclosing and empathic. When we treat
ourselves or others with unconditional positive regard, we express understanding and support,
even while we may acknowledge failings. Unconditional positive regard allows us to admit our
fears and failures, to drop our pretenses, and yet at the same time to feel completely accepted for
what we are. The principle of unconditional positive regard has become a foundation of
psychological therapy; therapists who use it in their practice are more effective than those who
do not (Prochaska & Norcross, 2007; Yalom, 1995). [12]