Behavioral_and_Animalistic_Essay

Biological and Humanistic Approaches Personality Assessment C Griffin Psy/250 March 15, 2012 Debra Julian Biological and Humanistic Approaches Personality Assessment Introduction The day has come for the expectant mother to finally take a peek at the life growing in her womb. The father is hoping that he or she doesn’t have his nose, and the mother is hoping that he is a she! Finally the moment comes and there appears on the screen a beautiful baby. However, no amount of technology could predict what that child’s personality will be like once he or she is born into the world. This is a great mystery upon which many great psychologists have formed several theories, preformed numerous tests, and wrote endless books about. While there are many, the focus lies on the humanistic and biological approach to personality. Although each focuses on different factors, both theories give great insight into the human personality and why we become who we become in life. In this paper, the biological and humanistic approaches will be compared to one another, viewed in contrast, and in explained in relation to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Compare and Contrast Biological Approach vs. Humanistic Approach to Personality Biological Approach To Agree or Disagree' That is the Question. In the biological approach, James Watson stated we inherit our personality through DNA (M. 2009). This is a factor that I feel I can agree with and holds to be somewhat true. When we are born, many of the characteristics that we eventually begin to display are based upon the traits found in the DNA of our parents according to the biological approach to personality For example, my children are both avid readers, love to learn, and they love to talk. These are specific characteristics of my personality that are prevalent and have been since I was younger. Also this approach biology effects personality through the physical environments in which we are or in which we have been exposed to in the past. I disagree with this as a whole and the fact that the biological approach relies mainly on scientific studies and experiments. As a result, these studies look mainly at the brain, genes and hormones. It does not explain exactly what is going on in the psychological mind (M.2009). In the event that one commits a crime, this approach would only look at that person’s brain activity around the time of the crime, or look into what may have affected the person’s hormones. I believe there are more factors within the psyche than just taking a look into the biological aspects. This is limiting the end results and I feel that the accuracy of the outcome of the studies can be overshadowed by all the scientific aspects of the experiment. Humanistic Approach To Agree or Disagree' That is the Question. The humanistic approach focuses in on the personal worth of a human being. It magnifies the worth, one’s ethics, and the potential of a person (M.2009) .Many psychologists have done studies on the creativity side of the human being; looking at the human as a work of art to be molded into something beautiful and not just flesh and bones. I agree with this aspect of the humanistic approach. Every person has potential to be great with the right encouragement to do so. A person should not be defined by past faults or mistakes, but viewed as having potential to right his or her wrongs and change their future. Upon researching, one factor that I did not fully agree with is the fact that overall, the approach seems a little far-fetched. In today’s society, it seems to be an “every man for himself” world, rather than “united we stand, divided we fall” environment. The humanistic approach is based upon helping others and that is not always the case in the world that we live in today. There are some who believe in the good in others and would help to enhance that good, but then there is the other factor that people are all about themselves. Everyone has worth, this is true, but there are some who truly believe that their worth is higher than others, and that is something that is not up for sharing with someone else. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Wants vs. Needs Abraham Maslow was a psychologist who believed that the human needs are a big factor in the formation of personality and growth in humans (Schmutte, 2002). He developed what is known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. In this pyramid- shaped chart, the needs of humans are set up according to the importance to a human being. The needs are listed as: self-actualization, esteem needs, love or belonging needs, safety needs, and physiological needs (Cherry). Self-actualization or the need to fulfill one’s purpose or potential is at the top of the hierarchy, and cannot be reached until the more physical needs towards the bottom are reached and met (Cherry). The needs that Maslow has formed into this hierarchy definitely help shape personality and assist in the growth of a human being. For example, the hierarchy is set up so that one has to meet the needs that are at the bottom of the pyramid before satisfying the needs that are listed towards the top. For one to actually grow in a physical sense, of course the physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter should be met. If one fails to pay attention to those needs, then growth will be virtually impossible and unattainable. This could possible result in the failure to have a dynamic, appealing personality. Likewise, if the needs that are above the simple needs are not met, a person can be prevented from growing, but not in a physical sense. For example, if the love and belonging needs are not met in a sufficient manner, a person could feel like an outcast. This level of needs involves the feeling of intimacy achieved in relationships of any kind, and feeling that one belongs and is accepted by others (Schmutte, 2002). As a result, an introverted personality type could be created. As a whole, if one does not meet the needs that Maslow made into the Hierarchy, and in the order in which he suggested the needs be met, then it could definitely affect the formation of personality in a human being. Biological Factors Personality: An Inheritance One of the major biological factors that is said to have a large influence on personality is DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid. This is the matter in which a person finds his or her unique identity. It is said that the DNA that is passed from parent to offspring or shared between twins influences one’s personality (M.2009) .For example, if one’s parents contained a certain trait in his or her DNA, it could be passed to the offspring and cause him or her to display certain characteristics. Also, one’s physical environment or exposure to a certain setting can have an influence on the personality. A person could be from a particular geographical area, and relocate to another that is opposite to what he or she is used to; this can cause drastic changes in the personality. Relationship of Biological Factors to Maslow’s Theory Sink or Swim: Is it in YOU' Maslow addresses that fact that one needs to satisfy the simple needs of having food, shelter, and rest before moving on to more complex and self-satisfying needs (Cherry). The biological approach has to do with the inheritance of certain aspects of personality. In relation, the desire to satisfy the simplest needs, or the desire not to satisfy these needs may possibly be inherited from one’s parents. If a person never has to work or provide for themselves, it may be difficult for he or she to satisfy this need independently if the need to presents itself. Incompatibility of Humanistic Theory and Biological Explanations The humanistic approach focuses on the human being as a whole and views the human being as a work of art. In contrast, the biological does not focus on the human being and its value as a whole, rather on the human’s nervous system, genes, and hormones (M.2009). The biological approach centers on the fact that a person obtains certain aspects of personality and behavior through inheritance. However, the humanistic approach states that one’s personality can be molded and is a dynamic part of the human being. Conclusion In conclusion, both the biological and humanistic approaches to personality formation provide great insight into the formation of who we are and why. Although each approach has different ideas and views, they both acknowledge that personality comes from somewhere and it is not something that can be bought or sold. By looking at Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, one can see that humans’ needs and the attainment of those needs have everything to do with the growth—both physical and psychological—of a human being. Overall, both approaches are very unique, and have given me a deeper look into myself and why I am who I am today. References M. W. (2009). Personality. Classic Theories and Modern Research Schmutte, D. L. (2002). Maslow's Hierachy of Needs. The Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 3, 1500-1503. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ps/i.do'action=interpret&id=GALE|CX3405900507&v=2.1&u=uphoeni&xit=r&p=GPS&sw=w&authCount=1 Cherry, K. (n.d.). Hierarchy of needs the five levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality