Self-Actualization (Psychology)

The highest tier of Maslow's pyramid of needs, defined as a person's desire to fulfill his or her potential. For example, if a person has great artistic talent but is forced to study accounting, the person will be frustrated as a result. Maslow proposed that a person who does not get the chance to fulfill his or her potential will be frustrated because the person's drive to achieve is inhibited.

Self-actualization plays an important role in a healthy personality. Maslow classified a self-actualizing individ ual as a person who has a healthy personality defined by continuous personal growth. Studying well-respected and acclaimed historical figures as well as the healthiest 1% of students, Maslow identified several characteristics of self-actualizing individuals. For example, self-actualizers tend to be in touch with reality and are comfortable and relaxed dealing with it. Self-actualizers also tend to be open to new experiences and are spontaneous and uncomplicated individuals. While they enjoy few, but close friendships, they are able to distance themselves and be independent of culture as well as environment. Self-actualizers are autonomous, indepen dent, do not require other people for approval, and have a need for privacy. Furthermore, self-actualizers derive deep satisfaction from their work, while also having more “peak experiences,” also referred to as “emotional highs,” than other people. Self-actualizers tend to have a philosophical and nonhostile humor, while having clear ethical definitions of good and evil. Finally, self-actualizers demonstrate a balance between polar aspects of personality; for example, they can be both rational as well as intuitive.