According to the humanistic perspective in psychology, what primarily motivates individuals?

• A. Genetic predispositions and biological instincts
• B. Unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences
• C. The drive for self-actualization and personal growth
• D. The pursuit of rewards and avoidance of punishments

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the main focus of the humanistic perspective in psychology, which emphasizes individual experience, personal growth, and self-fulfillment.
2. Understand that unlike biological or psychoanalytic perspectives, the humanistic approach highlights conscious motivation rather than unconscious drives or genetic factors.
3. Recognize that according to humanistic theorists like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, the primary motivation is the drive toward self-actualization, meaning the realization of one's full potential.
4. Compare the options given: genetic predispositions relate to biological perspectives, unconscious conflicts relate to psychoanalytic theory, and pursuit of rewards/punishments relates to behaviorism.
5. Conclude that the correct motivation according to the humanistic perspective is the drive for self-actualization and personal growth, as it aligns with the core principles of this approach.