University of Phoenix 

Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories Worksheet

1. Abraham Maslow proposed the _________________ theory of personality.

2. According to Maslow, self-fulfillment and realization of one’s full potential are examples of ________________ needs.

3. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs proposes that ____________ needs must be satisfied before ____________ needs will become motivators for behavior.

4. The belief that matter evolves from simpler to more complex forms is ____________________.

5. The ___________, according to Rogers, is one’s view of self as one wishes to be.

6. Carl Rogers believed that conditions of worth, incongruence, defensiveness, and disorganization are all considered __________________________.

7. Rogers believed that ________________________, _ ______________________, and ________________ are necessary elements of psychotherapy.

8. _______________ is the structure that gives meaning to experience and allows people to make decisions about the future.

9. May proposed that ___________________ is the freedom of action, whereas __________________ is the freedom of being.

10. The basic concepts of existential theory are _______________ and ___________________.

Match the following theoretical components with their correct theorist or theorists.

Theoretical component	Theorist
1. Unconditional positive regard	A. Abraham Maslow
2. Eros	B. Carl Rogers
3. Love and belongingness needs	C. Rollo May
4. The self-concept
5. Guilt
6. Levels of awareness
7. Self-actualization
8. Neurotic anxiety

1. According to Maslow, what are the characteristics of self-actualizing people? Why are these characteristics important?

2. What are the strengths of the humanistic theories in regard to their explanation of personality?

3. What are the limitations of the humanistic theories in regard to their explanation of personality?

4. What are the strengths and limitations of May’s existential theory in regard to their explanation of personality?