The Definition Of Self-Actualization

According to Abraham Maslow, the needs of man begin with the primal – food, water, air, shelter, and move upwards, up and all the way to the elusive quality of self-actualization. To self-actualize is to become all or most of that which one imagines, or perhaps desires, himself to be. It is to realize the ego ideal which rests within, that abstract and fabled construct of an ideal you.

A factor that causes important changes in a person’s life is when one experiences the self-realization

For centuries, psychologists have debated theories concerning the development of human behavioral tendencies. One of these topics, self-actualization, is the evolution of an individual toward fulfillment of the highest needs; those for meaning in life, in particular. Abraham Maslow, a highly celebrated psychologist, has dissected this topic and created a theory of self-actualization where he outlines a pyramid through which one ascends and achieves specific needs until he reaches an actualized state. Bless Me Ultima is a bildungsroman novel where Rudolfo Anaya stresses the way in which Antonio, the protagonist, finds his place in the world and learns about his beliefs as an individual through hardships, love from those close to him, and exposure to new cultures. Although Antonio does not entirely fulfill self-actualization, he demonstrates Maslow’s theory of self-actualization by ascending the need hierarchy and exhibiting characteristics of a self-actualized person.

As a junior in high school, I have recently become interested in psychology. While studying psychology/sociology this previous year, I have become drawn to the topic of human potential. After gathering what I have learned, it turns out most people want to live their life to the fullest by becoming all they can be. To reach this fulfillment of a higher/better self is known as self-actualization. A major problem for many people today is reaching their full potential, although the potential already lies within them. Everyone has the power to succeed and to become self-actualized. All it takes is to become an optimistic, realistic, and problem centered individual.

As health professionals, it is important to constantly be self-aware and to discover new truths about oneself. Jourard (1971) stated that lack of personal awareness can lead to a feeling of vulnerability when approached by patients expressing feelings, due to the fear of not knowing how to respond in an appropriate way. By having self-awareness, the sources of limitations that have the tendency to cause anxiety can be identified, so forward planning can be prepared to reduce or eliminate the impact this may have on performing activities and approaches to patients. Certain individuals utilise different techniques to minimise anxiety such as deep-breathing exercises or thinking of the positive outcome that comes once the source of fear or anxiety is overcame. Meanwhile, others prefer being critiqued, since it allows areas within practise needing improvements to be highlighted and alternatives to be considered.

Maslow defined self-actualization as, “experiencing fully, vividly, selflessly, with full concentration and total absorption.” (Maslow,

In using Maslow 's theory of self actualization and definition of religious experience types (confirming, responsive, ecstatic, and revelational), found no differences between type of religious experience and self actualization. The concern itself is only with the incidence and centrality of a person 's self defined spiritual experience. It is hypothesized that the more people get older the more he or she finds his or her spiritual experience to be a central part of his or her life, the higher they will score on the self-actualization measure.

Abraham Maslow theorized the concept of self-actualization which is the term used to describe the state of self-fulfillment in which people realize their highest potentials in their own unique way. Maslow’s theory includes sublevels that must be achieved before reaching self-actualization. In this paper, I will explain how each of his previous levels have affected my life, and give an idea of when I may hope to achieve self-actualization. Self-actualization is the term that Abraham Maslow used to describe the state of self-fulfillment in which people realize their highest potentials in their own unique way. The personal reflections accommodate to my perspective of the Maslow’s Theory.

According to Psychologist Abraham Maslow in “Self-actualization and Beyond,” self-actualization is a process in which one identifies his inner ability to do something productive. Once this inner talent comes out, that’s when a person actualizes himself. He believes that every individual self-actualizes, and while doing so one might make many wrong choices. Sonny and his older brother are faced with several obstacles while being on a journey to self-actualization in “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin. However, these obstacles not only come from their surroundings, but within themselves as well. The narrator himself and his younger brother, Sonny struggle with, and gradually develop their own

Self actualization can not just happen spontaneously, it happens when one realizes that their is a void one's life that needs to be filled. That is when self actualization starts. In Tattoos of the Heart, the women named Carmen comes up to Greg Boyle and asks for help. While Carmen is talking to Boyle, she breaks down and calls herself a disgrace for the life she lives. Carmen is on her way to self actualization.

Self-actualization refers to the desire to achieve one’s greatest potential or as Maslow writes “what a man can be, he must be” (Maslow). Abraham Maslow, a researcher and a pioneer in the field of psychology, strongly believed that people can control their own behavior and have the abilities to reach their full potential. Maslow is perhaps best known for his “Hierarchy of Needs” that culminates in self-actualization. This hierarchy begins with so-called “basic needs” - psychological, safety, social, and esteem - and concludes with the “growth need”. Among other characteristics, Maslow describes self-actualized people as highly creative, independent, genuine individuals who are resistant to enculturation and accept themselves for who

Self actualization, is the sense that one is fulfilling one’s potential and is doing what one is suited for and capable of (Zastrow &

My primary thinking style is Self-actualizing and I can totally see myself through the description of this thinking style. The self-actualizing thinkers are characterized by an unusual high acceptance of self, others and situations “as they are.” They have a strong interest in working to become everything they are capable of being. They have a sense of self-worth, a strong curiosity about people and things, and an acute

When we do so, self actualisation will occur. Rogers likened this actualisation process to the growth of plants, having an innate tendency to grow from a seed to full potential when exposed to favourable conditions. Rogers believed that for a person to achieve self-actualisation they must be in a state of congruence, thus, self-actualisation occurs when a person’s ideal self is congruent with their actual behaviour and self-image. For the client to self actualise; key principals must be employed during the counselling process. Outlined as follows:

154). At this level, the individual is characterized by power, wealth and riches, fame and self esteem. One feels that he has achieved everything and this feeling is termed as self actualization. However, this stage is achieved through hard work and sometimes one may be required to sacrifice a lot. The stage harbors the elite in the society, who include people like politicians and business tycoons (Natemayer & Hersey, 2011, p. 189).