Page 408 - Understanding Psychology

Because they are secure in themselves, self-actualized individuals are more problem-centered than self-centered. They are able to focus on tasks in a way that people concerned about maintaining and protecting their self-image cannot. They are more likely to base decisions on ethical principles rather than on calculations of the possible costs or benefits to themselves. They have a strong sense of identity with other human beings, and they have a strong sense of humor but laugh with people, not at them.
Maslow also found that self-actualized people are exceptionally spontaneous. They do not try to be anything other than themselves, and they know themselves well enough to maintain their integrity in the face of opposition, unpopularity, and rejection. They are autonomous. They value privacy and frequently seek out solitude. This is not to say that they are detached or aloof; rather than trying to be popular, they focus on deep, loving relationships with the few people to whom they are truly close.
Finally, the people Maslow studied had a rare ability to appreciate even the simplest things. They approached their lives with a sense of discovery that made each day a new day. They rarely felt bored or unin- terested. Given to moments of intense joy and satisfaction, or peak ex- periences, they enjoyed life itself. Maslow believed this to be both a cause and an effect of their creativity and originality (Maslow, 1970).
Maslow believed that to become self-actualized, a person must first satisfy his or her basic, primary needs—for food and shelter, physical safety, love and belonging, and self-esteem. Of course, to some extent the ability to satisfy these needs is often beyond our control. Still, no amount of wealth, talent, or beauty can totally shield someone from frustration and disappointment. All people have to adjust to maintain themselves and to grow.
Many psychologists have criticized Maslow’s work. His claim that human nature is good, for example, has been called an intrusion of sub- jective values into what should be a neutral science. The levels of specific needs, such as physical contact comfort, discussed in Chapter 12, have not been defined (Feist, 1985). His study of self-actualizing people has
been criticized because the sample was chosen on the basis of Maslow’s own subjective criteria. How can one identify self-actualized people without knowing the characteristics of such people? But then, if one knows these characteris- tics to begin with, what sense does it make to list them as if they were the results of an empiri- cal study?
Figure 14.13 Proclaiming Your Self-Worth
You can progress toward self-actualization after you have developed a sense of self-esteem, or self-worth. What traits associated with Maslow’s definition of a self-actualized person does Charlie Brown display?
394 Chapter 14 / Theories of Personality
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