Self-Actualization
Definition
Self-actualization is the process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential and capabilities. It's the highest level of psychological development where personal growth, fulfillment, and accomplishment are sought.
Analogy
Think of self-actualization as climbing a mountain. The journey up the mountain represents your life. As you climb higher, you overcome challenges (basic needs), until you reach the peak (self-actualization) where you can see everything clearly - your strengths, potentials, and how to use them to their fullest extent.
Related terms
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: A theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow that describes a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. At the top is self-actualization.
Personal Growth: The process of improving oneself through activities that enhance self-knowledge and identity, develop talents or potential, build human capital and facilitate employability.
Self-Esteem: An individual’s subjective evaluation of their own worth or value – how much they like themselves.
"Self-Actualization" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (12)
What is self-actualization?
Humanistic psychologists believe that to reach self-actualization, people must be in an environment of acceptance and ______.
According to Maslow's hierarchy, which needs must be satisfied before achieving self-actualization?
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need must be satisfied before a person can achieve self-actualization?
What does the Humanistic Theory propose about self-actualization in personality development?
Which theory challenges the commonly held belief that all humans naturally strive for self-actualization?
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, what level must be satisfied before one can reach towards self-actualization?
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be satisfied before achieving self-actualization?
What is self-actualization according to Maslow's humanistic theory of personality?
According to Abraham Maslow, why is self-actualization considered the highest need in his hierarchy?
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, what is an ethical consideration when dealing with individuals who have not achieved self-actualization?
What argument could challenge the humanistic perspective's focus on self-actualization as a cure for mental disorders?
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