Maslow's Self-Actualization Theory

The following essay includes a summary and critique of John R. Sumerlin's (1997) experiment on Maslow's theory of self-actualization, Self-Actualization and Hope. By conducting research on a population of graduate students, Sumerlin (1997) maintains that self-actualization involves striving, courage, risk-taking, openness to experience, and attainment of personality growth capacity. Maslow's theory of needs is illustrated, including his views that self-actualized individuals represent the most "healthy" and "enriched" human beings. Results of the study may demonstrate gender bias (women scored higher on self-actualization), but do confirm the hypothesis that self-actualized individuals will exhibit higher levels of hope than non-self-actualized individuals. Future research needs conducted to account for possible gender bias and to confirm the positive relationship demonstrated within this study between hope and self-actualization.

John R. Sumerlin's (1997) Self-Actualization and Hope presents a discussion of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs and theory of self-actualization. Sumerlin's study then describes the methodology and results of a study conducted on 149 graduate students attending a private university, to determine if there is a positive correlation between hope and self-actualization. The sample population included diverse races and both males and females. Instruments included the Brief Index of Self-A

Related Essays

Motivation Theory Articles: Comparing and Contrasting Various .... This theory of motivation is not about self-interest in .... to have come to the conclusion that Maslow's Needs Hierarchy .... Cost Engineering, 47 (3), Ramlall, S. (2004 .... (1367 5 )

The Phenomenological Perspective According to S .... really distinguishes the phenomenological perspective articulated by Maslow and Rogers .... relate to psychology, are those of self-concept and self-actualization. .... (1501 6 )

Three Theories of Human Nature & Reality Abraham H. Maslow, Albert .... may be necessary, but we are capable of self help, given .... Hall, Calvin S., and Vernon J. Nordby .... New Pathways in Psychology: Maslow & the Post Freudian Revolution .... (1628 7 )

Hierarchy of Needs & Consumer Behavior .... The differentiation in actions does not automatically negate the goal of self-actualization in Maslow's (1954 .... Maslow, AH (1968 .... Yang, S., Allenby, GM (2003, .... (2179 9 )

Self Esteem in the Educational Experience .... CA, 16 20 April Susser, Howard S. "Self Monitoring .... Androcentric Bias in AH Maslow's Theory of Human Motivation and Self Actualization." Paper presented .... (4325 17 )

Motivation, Self-Actualization & Self-Growth .... Maslow discusses his case studies of self-actualizing personalities. .... Self-actualization and motivation are closely linked in the .... Gibson, S. (1990, February 19 .... (5290 21 )

Category: Psychology - M