Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

Which psychological framework emphasizes the importance of self-concept and personal growth?

1. Psychoanalytic theory

2. Humanistic theory

3. Behaviorism

4. Social learning theory

The correct answer is: Humanistic theory

Humanistic theory places a strong emphasis on self-concept and personal growth as central aspects of psychological development. This framework, developed by psychologists such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, focuses on the inherent potential in individuals to realize their own abilities and strive towards self-actualization. In humanistic psychology, the self-concept refers to how individuals perceive themselves, which significantly impacts their behaviors, motivations, and emotional well-being. This theory asserts that for individuals to reach their fullest potential, they must engage in personal growth, which involves understanding oneself, fostering self-confidence, and pursuing meaningful goals. Unlike psychoanalytic theory, which primarily focuses on unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences, or behaviorism, which emphasizes observable behaviors often shaped by environmental factors, humanistic theory advocates for a more holistic and positive approach to human motivation, highlighting the importance of personal experiences and subjective perceptions. Social learning theory, while recognizing the influence of observational learning and modeling, does not center its focus on self-concept or intrinsic motivation as significantly as humanistic theory does. Therefore, humanistic theory's focus on individual experiences, self-awareness, and personal growth makes it the correct framework for emphasizing the importance of self-concept in psychological development.