Page 407 - Understanding Psychology

highly productive. Maslow also found that self-actualized individuals share a number of traits (see Figure 14.12). First, they perceive reality accu- rately, unlike most people who, because of prejudices and wishful think- ing, perceive it rather inaccurately. Self-actualized people also accept themselves, other people, and their environments more readily than most people do. Without realizing it, most of us project our hopes and fears onto the world around us. We deny our own shortcomings and try to ratio- nalize or change things we do not like about ourselves. Self-actualizing individuals accept themselves as they are.
Figure 14.12 Characteristics of Self-Actualized People
Maslow proposed the concept of a self- actualized personality, which is a personality with high productivity and enjoyment of life. Do you think any person can develop a self-actualized personality, regardless
of his or her social or economic status? Explain.
They are realistically oriented.
They accept themselves, other people, and the natural world for what they are.
They have a great deal of spontaneity.
They are problem-centered rather than self-centered.
They have an air of detachment and a need for privacy.
They are autonomous and independent.
Their appreciation of people and things is fresh rather than stereotyped.
Most of them have had profound mystical or spiritual experiences, although not necessarily religious in character.
They identify with humanity.
Their intimate relationships with a few specially loved people tend to be pro- found and deeply emotional rather than superficial.
Their values and attitudes are democratic.
They do not confuse means with ends.
Their sense of humor is philosophical rather than hostile. They have a great fund of creativeness.
They resist conformity to the culture.
They transcend the environment rather than just coping with it. Source: Abraham Maslow, Motivation and Personality, New York: Harper & Row, 1970.
Chapter 14 / Theories of Personality 393