Vicky Bayer, BSN, RN, NCSN
Humanistic Theory combines both cognitive and affective learning (Oermann, 2015). It surfaced in the 1960s with emphasis on goal attainment, “human freedom, dignity, and potential” (Huitt, 2009). Humanism is holistic and believes that behaviors change as people grow and develop over a lifetime. The individual is the catalyst for the degree of motivation and for the degree of goal attainment (Huitt, 2009). Two well know humanists are Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory postulates that actions are dependent on a five tier hierarchy of human need. The first four tiers are called deprivation needs and must be met before self-actualization, the final tier of reaching one’s potential, can be achieved. The prerequisites to self-actualization are, in order of attainment, physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness, and esteem (Oermann, 2015). Carl Rogers agreed with Maslow adding that for continued growth people “need an environment that provides genuineness, acceptance, and empathy” (Oermann, 2015).
In his article, Huitt (2009) says there are five objectives in the humanistic view to education: promoting self-direction and independence; developing accountability for learning; developing creativity; promoting curiosity; and maintaining an interest in the arts. Humanistic teaching methods include participation projects and discovery methods (Oermann, 2015). Carl Roger’s, Facilitative Teaching, also incorporates: response to feelings; praise; discussion and dialogue; and smiling (Huitt, 2015).
Critics of the humanism theory point to Maslow and the “vagueness of what is considered a deficiency” (Huitt, 2015) stating that these deprivation needs are not universal. “It has been observed that an individual may permanently lose the higher wants in the hierarchy under special conditions” (Maslow, 1943, p. 394) “for example, some people often risk their own safety to rescue others from danger” (Huitt, 2015). On the other hand, Huitt (2015) cites Aspy and Roebuck (1977) who found that students with facilitative teachers: miss less school; have increased scores on self-awareness tests; have greater gains in academic achievements; have fewer discipline issues; and have higher thinking abilities (Huitt, 2015).
Huitt, W. (2009). Humanism and open education. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved from: http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/affect/humed.html
Learning Theories.com Website (2014). Summaries of learning theories and models. Retrieved from: http://www.learning-theories.com/humanism.html
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, p. 370-396.
Oermann, Marilyn. (2015). Teaching in Nursing and Role of the Educator. Springer Publishing Company. New York, NY.