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Word Gems
What is a man but the sum of his thoughts?

Person:

Abraham Maslow's

Self-Actualization & Hierarchy of Needs

(notes from various internet sources)

Self-Actualization

Dr. Abraham Maslow coined the term “Self-Actualization” as the pinnacle in the hierarchy of human needs.  Dr. Maslow summed up the concept as:

• "A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be at peace with himself.  What a man can be, he must be. This is the need we may call self-actualization ... It refers to man's desire for fulfillment, namely to the tendency for him to become actually in what he is potentially: to become everything that one is capable of becoming ..."

As potential models of a self-actualized person, Dr. Maslow identified the following historical figures: Abraham Lincoln (in his last years), Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Albert Einstein, Aldous Huxley, William James, Spinoza, Goethe, Pablo Casals, Pierre Renoir, Robert Browning, Walt Whitman, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jan Addams, Albert Schweitzer, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Haydn among others.

(It is interesting to note that several of these "models" were also identified by Dr. R. M. Bucke, in his book: "Cosmic Consciousness," as individuals that exhibited the behavior of people who had experienced cosmic consciousness.) 

Characteristics of Self Actualizing People

Realistic

Realistically oriented, a Self-Actualizing (SA) person has a more efficient perception of reality, and has comfortable relations with it. This is extended to all areas of life.

A Self-Actualizing person is unthreatened and unfrightened by the unknown. He has a superior ability to reason, to see the truth, and is logical and efficient.

Self-Acceptance

Accepts himself, others and the natural world the way they are. Sees human nature as is, has a lack of crippling guilt or shame, enjoys himself without regret or apology, and has no unnecessary inhibitions.

Spontaneity, Simplicity, Naturalness

Spontaneous in his inner life. Thoughts and impulses are unhampered by convention.  His ethics are autonomous, and Self-actualizing individuals are motivated to continual growth.

Focus of Problem-Centering

A Self-actualizing person focuses on problems and people outside of himself. He has a mission in life requiring much energy, as it is his sole reason for existence. He is serene, characterized by a lack of worry, and is devoted to duty.

Detachment: The Need for Privacy

The Self-Actualized person can be alone and not be lonely, is unflappable, and retains dignity amid confusion and personal misfortunes, all  the while remaining objective.  He is a self starter, is responsible for himself, and owns his behavior.

Autonomy: Independent of Culture and Environment

The SA person has a fresh rather than stereotyped appreciation of people and the basic good in life.  Moment to moment living for him is thrilling, transcending, and spiritual as he lives the present moment to the fullest.

Peak Experiences

• "Feelings of limitless horizons opening up to the vision, the feeling of being simultaneously more powerful and also more helpless than one ever was before, the feeling of ecstasy and wonder and awe, the loss of placement in time and space with, finally, the conviction that something extremely important and valuable had happened, so that the subject was to some extent transformed and strengthened even in his daily life by such experiences." Abraham Maslow

Interpersonal Relations

Identification, sympathy, affection for mankind, kinship with the good, bad, and ugly are all traits of the SA person. Truth is clear to him as he can see things others cannot.  He has profound, intimate relationships with few and is capable of greater love than others consider possible as he shares his benevolence, affection, and friendliness with everyone.

Democratic Values

The SA person is able to learn from anyone, is humble and friendly with anyone regardless of class, education, political belief, race or color.

Discrimination: Means and Ends, Good and Evil

The SA does not confuse between means and ends and does no wrong. He enjoys the here and now, getting to goal -- not just the result. He makes the most tedious task an enjoyable game and has his own inner moral standards (appearing amoral to others).

Philosophical, Non-hostile Sense of Humor

Jokes to the SA person are teaching metaphors, intrinsic to the situation and are spontaneous. He can laugh at himself, but he never makes jokes that hurt others.

Creativity

The SA person enjoys an inborn uniqueness that carries over into everything he does, is original, inventive, uninhibited, and he sees the real and true more easily. 

Resistance to Enculturation: Transcendence of any Particular Culture

SA people have an inner detachment from culture. Although folkways may be observed, SA people are not controlled by them. Working for long-term culture improvement, indignation with injustice, inner autonomy, outer acceptance, and  the ability to transcend the environment rather than just cope are intrinsic to SA people.

Imperfections

SA people are painfully aware of their own imperfections and joyfully aware of their own growth process. They are impatient with themselves when stuck and feel real life pain as a result.

Values

The SA person is realistically human due to a philosophical acceptance of self, human nature, social life, physical reality, and nature.

Resolution of Dichotomies

Polar opposites merge into a third, higher phenomenon as though the two have united; therefore, opposite forces are no longer felt as conflict. To the SA person  work becomes play and desires are in excellent accord with reason. The SA person retains his childlike qualities yet is very wise.

• Maslow says there are two processes necessary for self-actualization: self exploration and action. The deeper the self exploration, the closer one comes to self-actualization.

Both Maslow (1956, 1968, 1971) and Rogers (1961) assumed that all persons

have an intrinsic potential for self-actualization that can be stifled, however, by

extrapsychic determinants. According to Maslow (1968), people's

basic needs must be sufficiently gratified before they can pursue the

fulfillment of what he calls the higher, transcendent metaneeds related to

self-actualization. Maslow asserted that people's complete psychological

maturation occurs only when their potentialities are fully developed and

actualized.

Rogers (1977) stated that self-actualization is a process of

differentiating potentialities inherent in the makeup of the individual.

This process, which is forward-moving, constructive, and self-enhancing,

becomes possible only when people receive positive regard from others and

learn to think positively of themselves. Each individual, according to

Rogers, has the capacity to be self-aware and to label what occurs

accurately; when one's need for positive regard is met, then, one's

tendency toward self-actualization becomes manifested. When an individual's

self-concept is relatively congruent with his or her experience, the

actualizing tendency can operate without impediment. The individual can

develop, then, into a fully functioning person who is open to the richness

of experience, who has few defenses, and who is self-aware.

Drawing from their definitions of self-actualization as well as from their

therapeutic experiences and observations, Maslow (1954) and Rogers (1961,

1977, 1980) defined certain unique characteristics of self-actualizing people.

Such a person, they maintained,

• has the following: an accurate perception of reality, a high level of creativity, few defenses, a high level of integration, personal autonomy, unconventional ethics, a need for human kinship, compassion, humility, deep and harmonious interpersonalrelationships, a respect for others, a desire to establish new forms of communications and intimacy, and an ongoing concern with personal growth.

In addition, Maslow (1954) highlighted these characteristics:

• spontaneity, receptivity, a problem-centered approach to life, detachment, a freshappreciation of things, a democratic attitude, a unique value system, a capacity to cope with circumstances, and a likelihood of having peak experiences. Rogers (1961) added, moreover, these qualities: an openness to nature and other people, an unconditional self-regard, an inner freedom, authenticity, a yearning for a spiritual life, an indifference to material comforts, a feeling of closeness to nature, and a skepticism of science and technology.

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)

Sometimes called "The Third Force" in psychology (Freud & Behaviorism are 1 & 2)

A brief biography of Abraham Maslow

1st of seven children, born and raised in Brooklyn.

Mother was devoutly religious.

Briefly studied law at CCNY, and briefly attended Cornell.

Married 1st cousin at age 20.

Worked with Harry Harlow

Graduated from Wisconsin

Taught at Brandeis University

President of the APA from 1967-1968

Published Motivation and Personality in 1970.

The "Holistic-Dynamic" Theory of Maslow

Maslow’s theory of personality is based upon his understandings of human motivations towards action.

5 basic assumptions of Motivation in the Maslow model.

1. The whole person is motivated, requiring a holistic approach.

(This is in marked contrast to Freud, who discussed the roles each mental structure plays in producing behavior)

2. Motivation is usually complex: several sources can contribute to the eventual appearance of some behavior.For example, the desire for sexual union may reflect needs for dominance, companionship, love and self-esteem.

Additionally, certain motivations may be unconscious. For example, using a telephone as a way to feel love and belongingness.

3. People are continually motivated by one need or another. Satisfying one need only results in the individual trying to satisfy other needs.

4. People are universally motivated by the same basic needs.

Maslow believes in the fundamental similarity of the human experience. Although we may achieve needs in a culturally specific (or culturally proscribed) manner which is idiosyncratic, the needs which must be satisfied are universal in nature.

5. Needs can be arranged in a hierarchical fashion.

The Hierarchy of Needs

Certain human needs are more fundamental than others, and satisfaction of these "basic" needs is necessary before "higher" needs can be addressed.

Theory of Prepotent Needs: lower needs must be satisfied (and take precedence over) higher order needs.

The Basic (or conative) Needs:

Physiological Needs: The most basic needs of oxygen, food, water, and maintenance of body temperature (food, shelter, & clothing). Physiological needs are the only needs which can be completely or even over-satisfied. Physiological needs are continually recurring, so we must seek satisfaction of this basic need on a daily basis.

Basic (conative) Needs (level 2)

Safety Needs: protection from harm, the need for law and order. Safety needs can never be over-satisfied. When children due not have their safety needs met, they develop basic anxiety and may become neurotic adults. In peaceful societies, safety needs are relatively easy to satisfy. Safety needs become highly important during natural disasters, fires, accidents, and other life threatening situation.

If both our physiological needs and are safety needs are satisfied, than we can turn our energy toward our "higher" needs.

Higher-Order Basic Needs of Maslow

Higher order needs are needs which develop after early childhood, and represent a more "phylogenetically" recent need. (evolved need)

First level of higher order needs:

Need for Love and Belongingness: Maslow states that this level is what the majority of the population remains at. The desire for friendship, the search for a mate and the desire to be part of a family are all reflections of this need. According to Maslow, 3 situations can exist:

• A person who has never experienced love and closeness will eventually devalue love and not be particularly worried over their inability to find it.

• A person who has received love and closeness during childhood will be able to love others, and not be devastated by the occasional rejection.

• A person who has experienced just a little love and affection will be strongly motivated to meet these needs, and might go about satisfying the need for love and belongingness in a pathological way.

Maslow states that children need love in order to grow psychologically.

If people find a way to satisfy their needs for love and belongingness, than they can concentrate on satisfying the next level of:

Esteem Needs: The need for self-respect, confidence, competence, and the respect of others.

Maslow distinguished between two levels of esteem needs : Reputation and Self-Esteem.

If people are fortunate enough to meet their esteem needs, then they are ready to try to satisfy the highest level of needs in Maslow’s hierarchy.

A major difference between people who don’t progress farther than the esteem needs stage is due to the adoption of core B-Values.

B-values (Being-values): Are what distinguishes the truly enlightened person (one who is self-actualized) from an individual who has satisfied all basic needs, yet still lives a life without purpose.

Maslow believes it is fundamentally important to find meaning within your life. People who embrace B-values will live a life of meaning and fulfillment.

The B-Values are: truth, goodness, beauty, wholeness, aliveness, uniqueness, perfection, completion, justice, simplicity, totality, effortlessness, humor, & autonomy

If you hold these B-values to be an important determinant of your behavior, than you may be able to satisfy your:

Self-Actualization needs : the desire for self-fulfillment, to realize one’s potential.

People who reach this level are "fully human"

Maslow stated that only 2% of the general population and .1% of the college population is self-actualized .

The self-actualized individual represents the future of human kind (similar to Roger’s idea of "People of Tomorrow")

In addition to the 5 conative needs, there are other needs which don’t fit into the hierarchical structure of conative needs.

Cognitive Needs: the desire to know, to solve mysteries, to be curious.

Cognitive needs must be constantly satisfied before any other needs can be satisfied. We need knowledge in order to satisfy our conative needs, and our cognitive needs motivates us to find answers which will satisfy our other needs.

Aesthetic Needs: Not thought to be universal, but reflective of the idea that some people are motivated by the need for beauty and order.

Neurotic Needs: nonproductive needs which perpetuate an unhealthy style of life. Neurotic needs are seen as compensatory reactions to a failure to fulfill one or more basic needs.

Examples: If safety needs are not satisfied early in life, an individual might develop the need to hoard material possessions.

If you fail to satisfy the need for love and belongingness, you might become overly aggressive and hostile.

Maslow estimated the degree to which all of these needs are satisfied within the general population:

Physiological Needs: 85 %

Safety Needs: 75 %

Love & Belongingness: 50 %

Esteem Needs: 40 %

Self-Actualization Needs: 10 %

A self-actualized individual would satisfy 100% of the first four conative needs, and a majority of self-actualization needs.

The Self-actualized Person

Show "expressive" behavior, rather than coping behavior.

Coping Behavior is behavior specifically aimed at need satisfaction. Coping behavior is motivated by need deficiencies.

Expressive behavior is more indicative of "free will" and encompasses how someone walks, talks, gestures, and smiles. Expressive behavior is motivated by internal forces, rather than external stimuli.

Self-actualizes have metamotivation (motivation based on B-values) which propels them towards self-actualization.

When an individual can not meet their self-actualization needs, metapathology can develop.

Metapathology : the lack of a meaningful philosophy of life.

Other Characteristics of Self-Actualized People

More efficient perception of reality: Self-actualizers are better able to distinguish fact from fiction.

Greater acceptance of self, others, and nature.

Live with spontaneity and without artifice.

Problem-Centered, instead of ego-centered.

Have a higher need for privacy.

Are more independent and autonomous.

Renewed appreciation for the world.

Can have "peak experiences"

Gemeinschaftsgefuhl: Social Interest

Profound Interpersonal Relations: serious relations are few, yet deep.

Have a democratic character structure: Self-actualizers are friendly to people without regard to race, gender, age, ethnicity, or social status.

Clear Sense of Right and Wrong

Philosophical Sense of Humor

High Creativity

Resistant to enculturization: Although self-actualizers typically fit in, they can go against prevailing wisdom when the accepted cultural practice violates their own sense of right and wrong.

Self-Actualizers are more likely to experience B-Love: love for the essence or being of the other. This type of love is qualitatively distinct from...

D-Love (deficiency love) in which you love another person because you are driven to satisfy your needs for love and belongingness.

Measuring Self Actualization

Two tests have been developed which attempt to tap Maslow’s conception of self-actualized people.

The Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) 150 forced choice items, such as: (Shostrom, 74)

A. Two people will get along best if each concentrates on pleasing the other person.

B. Two people will get along best if each person feels free to express themselves.

The POI has 2 major scales, and 10 subscales

The first major scale measures "present orientation", or the degree to which the individual embraces as existential approach to life. The second major scale measures "self" vs. "other" orientation. (Ego-centrism)

The ten subscales examine Maslow’s character traits of self-actualized individuals.

The second test of self-actualizing tendency is the Short Index of Self-Actualization developed by Jones & Crandell (1986)

The Short Index uses 15 items from the POI to which the subject must state agreement on a 6 point likert scale (Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree)

Much easier to administer and grade than the POI.

Also, reduces irritability due to the forced choice format of the POI.

Ironically, when Maslow completed the POI, it showed that he had only a slight self-actualizing tendency. He scored much lower than individuals who were identified as self-actualizers.

How Maslow developed his conception of the self-actualized person.

Maslow interviewed people he both knew and admired.

He would:

1. Interview a sample of people he thought were self-actualized.

He would write down a list of traits he felt each person possessed. (common traits)

2. He would use the trait list from one and then see how a second sample of self-actualized individuals matched up with the key traits.

By refining his trait list again and again, he eventually came up with what he felt was a stable list of attributes which would define the self-actualized individual.

Basic Criterion of the self-actualized individual

Remember, Maslow thought that only 2 % of the population were fully self-actualized.

Self Actualized people must be free from psychopathology.

This rules out Van Gogh as a self actualized individual.

Self-Actualized individuals have progressed through the hierarchy of basic needs.

The third criterion for becoming self-actualized is to realize your need to grow and develop, and to increasingly strive to become who you are fully capable of becoming.

Self-Actualizers are not static beings who embrace the status quo -- rather, than embrace change, because change is necessary for growth.

Development of Psychopathology

Maslow realized human beings are capable of terrible things.

He believed neurosis and psychotic behavior arises from need deficiencies

If you can not satisfy your basic needs, pathology is the result.

The pathology may take the form of a neurotic need.

Maslow states that everyone is born with a will toward health, and a tendency to grow towards self-actualization.

Jonah Complex : A fear of success which keeps people from becoming self-actualized.

Maslow believes the Jonah Complex arises due to a) the need for humility, and b)the emotional surge that fulfillment brings with us is too draining to experience on a constant basis.

Maslow and Psychotherapy

Although he did not have traditional "clients",

Maslow felt his holistic-dynamic theory did have practical applications.

Since he believes most people never move past the stage of satisfying needs of love and belongingness, he felt that the therapist must develop an open, warm relationship with the client.

Acceptance within a clinical relationship will hopefully lead to more healthy relationships outside of therapy.

For Maslow, the aim of therapy is to decrease the reliance on others and encourage the systemic urge toward psychological growth and self-actualization.

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