Self-realization is the highest of human needs, since every human being needs to feel fulfilled and progress as time goes by. Regarding these human needs that have been studied so much for years, the best known of his theories is Abraham Maslow’s Theory, also known as Maslow’s Pyramid. We encourage you to continue reading this Psychology-Online article: Self-actualization needs: definition and examplesin order to know the highest need that Maslow’s theory talks about.
What is self-realization? Inside the , made by Abraham Maslow, five different human needs are identified. These needs are organized hierarchically in the form of a pyramid, which is why it is called Maslow’s pyramid. In this pyramid, the most basic needs are found at the base, followed by those that involve more complexity, until reaching the peak of the pyramid. So human needs classified in hierarchical order are the following: basic (or physiological) needs, security and protection needs, social needs, esteem needs and self-actualization needs. Despite everything, it is worth noting that the needs of each person are ranked according to the importance that each of them attributes to them. In the following article you will find practical examples of each level of the . In this Psychology-Online article we focus specifically on the self-actualization needs.
What are self-actualization needs according to Maslow?
This concept is understood as the fact of achieving a effective achievement of aspirations or people’s objectives and that said people feel proud and satisfied with their achievement.
In other words, self-realization is a basic human tendency and occurs when people achieve the greatest possible realization of their potential. Thus, self-actualization refers to the ability to direct towards personal growth or towards progression towards a final state considered ideal by the person. In this sense, a person is considered self-actualized when they manage to achieve their aspirations for certain goals, feeling proud and satisfied with their achievement.
Abraham Maslow was one of the main followers of the . Within this psychological current, three different visions of self-realization needs can be identified: self-realization as motivation and need, self-realization as completeness of life, and self-realization as self-actualization.
First of all, self-realization as motivation and need. In this sense, motivation is closely related to the hierarchical principle of needs. Motivation is more reinforced depending on the needs that are intended to be achieved. Thus, usually, people show more motivation to achieve the most relevant needs (for example, the basic or physiological ones, which refer to oxygen, food, rest, sleep…) and, conversely, the less relevant needs. They will remain in the background until the previous ones have been achieved.
In second place, self-realization as completeness of life. From this vision, it is understood that self-realization is something that requires a struggle and overcoming difficulties and obstacles in order to achieve goals and objectives. In this sense, each person must try to define what constitutes their completed and complete life, giving rise to a feeling of completeness and/or consummation.
Third and last, self-realization as self-actualization, understanding that as time passes and new experiences accumulate, self-actualization needs can be modified and, therefore, each person must self-actualize based on their situation. Thus, it is not a fixed state of self-realization.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.