Question

What is the main proposition of humanistic approach to personality? What did Maslow mean by self-actualisation?

Explain the humanistic approach to personality. What did Maslow mean by self-actualisation?

Answer 1

1. Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow have mainly contributed to developing a humanistic perspective on personality.
2. The most crucial idea proposed by Rogers is that of a fully functioning person. He believes that fulfilment is the motivating force for personality development. People try to express their capabilities, potential and talents to the fullest extent possible. There is an inborn tendency among persons that directs them to actualise their inherited nature.
3. Rogers makes two basic assumptions about human behaviour. One is that behaviour is goal-directed and worthwhile. The second is that people (who are innately good) will almost always choose adaptive, self-actualising behaviour. Rogers views personality development as a continuous process. It involves learning to evaluate oneself and mastering the process of self-actualisation.
4. He recognises the role of social influences in the development of self-concept. When social conditions are favourable, the self-concept and self-esteem are high. In contrast, when the conditions are negative, the self-concept and self-esteem are low. People with high self-concept and self-esteem are generally flexible and open to new experiences to continue to grow and self-actualise.
5. Maslow has given a detailed account of psychologically healthy people in terms of their attainment of self-actualisation, a state in which people have reached their fullest potential.
6. Maslow had an optimistic view of a man with the potentialities for love, joy and creative work. Human beings are considered free to shape their lives and to self-actualise. Self-actualisation becomes possible by analysing the motivations that govern our lives.
7. We know that biological, security, and belongingness needs (called survival needs) are commonly found among animals and human beings. Thus, an individual’s sole concern with satisfying these needs reduces them to the level of animals.
8. The real journey of human life begins with the pursuit of self-esteem  and self-actualisation needs. The humanistic approach emphasises the significance of positive aspects of life.