Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories Matrix
Theory Assumptions Reliability Validity Application
Holistic-Dynamic Theory Maslow’s holistic dynamic theory suggests that a person as a whole is always being motivated by their needs. He also suggests that people always has the potential to grow. He suggests that they grow toward their own self actualization (Feist & Feist, 2009, ch. 10). Maslow’s Holistic Dynamic Theory rates low on the falsifiability. According to the criteria that theories go by (Feist, & Feist, 2009, ch. 10)
The reliability is rated low. Does the theory serve as a guide? The theory was given a high rating.

Is the theory internally consistent? Because of the theory having arcane and unclear language, some people thought that the certain parts were ambiguous and inconsistent.

Was the theory parsimonious? The first glance of the theory makes it seem simplistic by looking at the hierarchy of needs. The full understanding of the theory suggests that the theory is more complexed. It is rated moderately parsimonious (Feist & Feist, 2009, ch. 10).

Maslow helped with the POI test. It helped psychologists understand a person’s feelings about themselves. The hierarchy of needs also helped therapist understand themselves. Maslow thought that if therapist was at self actualization then they would be better equipped to help their patients. He wanted therapist to lead people in the direction of loving themselves and finding their own self actualization which is the highest need on the hierarchy (Feist & Feist, 2009, ch. 10).
Person-Centered Theory Formative Tendency There is a tendency for all matter, both organic and inorganic, to evolve from simpler to more complex forms. For the entire universe, a creative process, rather than a disintegrative one, is in operation.
Actualizing Tendency the tendency within all humans (and