SOCI 304 PERSONAL ASSIGNMENT

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Egerton University *

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304

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Sociology

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Nov 24, 2024

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EGERTON UNIVERITY NJORO CAMPUS UNIT CODE: SOCI 304 COURSE TITLE: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY NAME: KASILI AMANDA J. REG. NO: G11/02805/20 PRESENTED TO: MR. FREDRICK K KAUMBULU TASK: ABRAHAM MASLOW THEORY OF PERSONALITY DATE: 24 TH OCTOBER, 2023
Table of Contents I. Introduction Background and Significance of Abraham Maslow Overview of Maslow's Theory of Personality II. Humanistic Psychology and the Self The Foundational Role of Self-Concept The Quest for Self-Actualization III. Hierarchy of Needs and Personality Development Physiological Needs: Foundation for Personality Development Safety Needs: Building a Stable and Secure Personality Love and Belongingness Needs: Shaping Personality Through Social Connections Esteem Needs: Fostering Self-Respect and Confidence Self-Actualization: The Ultimate Goal IV. Characteristics of Self-Actualized Individuals Creativity as a Hallmark of Self-Actualization Autonomy and Independence Morality and a Well-Developed Ethical Compass The Significance of Peak Experiences Problem-Solving Abilities and Resilience V. Criticisms and Limitations
Cultural Variability and Universality of the Hierarchy Empirical Evidence and Scientific Basis Overemphasis on Positive Aspects of Human Nature VI. Conclusion Introduction Abraham Maslow was a well-known American psychologist whose revolutionary theory of personality had a profound impact on psychology. Maslow is most recognized for his idea of the hierarchy of needs, which has shaped our comprehension of human motivation and welfare. On the other hand, his theory of personality offers a more thorough examination of the human condition, emphasizing the achievement of personal potential and self-actualization. This essay explores Maslow's theory of personality, demonstrating its continuing importance and stressing its main ideas. The idea of self-actualization, the pinnacle of human development, is central to Maslow's philosophy. According to Maslow, comprehending personality requires a careful examination of the self-concept, the hierarchy of needs, and the distinctive characteristics of self- actualized people. The idea serves as both a framework for comprehending personality and a guiding principle for living a more purposeful and happy life. We hope to shed light on Maslow's theory of personality's lasting relevance and its significant influence on psychology, education, and human development by exploring its minute specifics. His theory continues to serve as a source of inspiration for scholars, instructors, and those who want to know more about what it means to be a truly human. I. Humanistic Psychology and the Self: Humanistic psychology, a school of thought that developed in reaction to behaviorism and psychoanalysis, is the foundation of Maslow's theory of personality. Humanistic psychology places a strong emphasis on positive aspects of human nature, personal development
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and reaching one's greatest potential. In this sense, Maslow's theory of personality places a strong emphasis on self-concept. Self-Concept: Maslow suggested that a person's views of their own value, skills, and beliefs are all part of their self-concept, which is essential to comprehending personality. The ultimate aim of his philosophy, self-actualization, is intimately linked to having a positive self-concept. Self-Actualization: The pinnacle of Maslow's personality theory is self-actualization. It stands for reaching one's greatest potential as well as for fulfillment, creativity, and personal development. Maslow thought that a limited proportion of people reach self- actualization, mostly as a result of the difficulties presented by the lower-level demands in his hierarchy. II. Hierarchy of Needs and Personality Development: Based on his 1943 publication "A Theory of Human Motivation," Maslow developed a theory of personality that is based on his hierarchy of needs. The hierarchy is frequently pictured as a pyramid, with self-actualization at the top and fundamental physiological necessities at the bottom. The development of the personality of an individual is influenced by each tier of the hierarchy. Physiological Needs: Personality development is based on the physiological necessities that are at the bottom of the hierarchy, such as food, water, and shelter. Unmet physiological demands can cause uneasiness and worry, which in turn can mold a person's personality as they become preoccupied with surviving and meeting these necessities. Safety Needs: The hierarchy of needs for safety includes financial security, health, and physical safety. When these needs are satisfied, people may grow into more
comfortable and stable individuals who have a feeling of control and order in their lives. Love and Belongingness Needs: The third level is concerned with the desire for social connections, affection, and a sense of belonging. Fulfilling these needs helps to establish a personality defined by trust, intimacy, and a sense of connection with others. Esteem Needs: Self-worth, confidence, and acknowledgment of one's accomplishments are all part of the esteem needs level. Fulfilled demands for esteem cultivate confidence and self-worth, resulting in a personality characterized by competence and self-worth. Self-Actualization: At the top of the pyramid, self-actualization stands for reaching one's full potential as well as pursuing creativity and personal development. Autonomy, honesty, inventiveness, authenticity and a strong moral compass are traits of a self-actualized personality. III. Characteristics of Self-Actualized Individuals: The ultimate objective of Maslow's theory of personality is self-actualization. Examining the attributes and qualities of self-actualized people is crucial to understanding self-actualization. Creativity: People who have reached self-actualization tend to be very creative, receptive to fresh perspectives, and able to think beyond the box. They welcome the chance to express themselves and be creative. Autonomy: One characteristic of self-actualization is autonomy. These people make decisions based more on their inner convictions and principles than on outside influences because they have a strong sense of independence. Morality: A strong moral compass is exhibited by self-actualized people. Their strong moral convictions drive them to prioritize doing what is right over what is convenient.
Peak Experiences: Peak experiences, or powerful periods of joy, fulfillment, and profound significance, are common among self-actualized people. Their sense of purpose and general well-being are enhanced by these moments. Problem-Solving Abilities: They are adept at overcoming obstacles in life with inventiveness and resiliency. They also have outstanding problem-solving skills. IV. Criticisms and Limitations: Although Maslow's theory of personality has greatly influenced psychology, there are criticism and restrictions to it. Cultural Variability: Maslow's theory is criticized for being culturally specific and for failing to take into consideration the great variation in people's needs and values. The hierarchy may not apply universally. Empirical Evidence: Some psychologists have questioned Maslow's theory's empirical foundation, claiming it is not well-supported by science. The exact hierarchy's composition and order have not always been validated by empirical research. Overemphasis on Positive Aspects: Maslow's theory is frequently criticized for emphasizing only positive parts of human nature and ignoring the significance of pain, negative emotions, and human imperfections in the formation of the personality. Rigidity in the Hierarchy: Some critics argue that Maslow's theory is excessively restrictive in its tight hierarchical structure. In real-world situations, people could have requirements at different levels of the hierarchy at the same time, or their priorities might
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change over time. This rigidity ignores the interaction between many needs and the complexity of human motivation. Alternative theories that account for the dynamic and fluid character of human needs and motives include Alderfer's ERG theory, which offers more adaptable models. Applicability across the Lifespan: Maslow's theory may not fully address the needs and motivations of people at different phases of life because it primarily concentrates on the development of personality and motivation in maturity. The wants and motives of children, teenagers, and older individuals might differ greatly from those of young adults, according to critics, making the hierarchy of needs less applicable to these groups of people. A thorough theory of personality ought to take into account how human development changes throughout the course of a person's lifetime. V. Conclusion Humanistic psychology is based on Abraham Maslow's theory of personality, which emphasizes self-actualization and the fulfillment of personal potential. This theory, which has its roots in his hierarchy of needs, sheds light on the ways in which meeting different human needs affects the formation of personality. The ultimate aim of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization, is a condition of fulfillment, creativity, and personal development. Even if the theory's cultural constraints and lack of empirical backing have drawn criticism, it is nevertheless a useful foundation for comprehending the good things about human nature and the possibility of self-improvement. Maslow's contributions to the study of motivation, personality, and the quest of a happy life have left a lasting legacy.
In summary, Abraham Maslow's theory of personality has had a lasting impact on psychology, emphasizing the importance of self-actualization and the hierarchy of needs' enormous impact on human growth. REFERENCES 1. Cherry, K., & Susman, D. (2022, August 14). How Maslow's hierarchy of needs explains human motivation. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows- hierarchy-of-needs-4136760 2. Fielding, S. (2022, July 29). Maslow's hierarchy of needs: Theory, research & criticisms | mindbodygreen. mindbodygreen: well-rounded well-being for a life well lived. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-research 3. Human performance Technology. (2016, January 16). Praise & criticism: Hierarchy of needs (Maslow). Knowledge Centre | Human Performance Technology by DTS. https://blog.hptbydts.com/praise-criticism-hierarchy-of-needs-maslow
4. Cianci, R. and Gambrel, P. (2003). Maslow's hierarchy of needs: Does it apply in a collectivist culture. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 8(2), pp. 143– 161. 5. Wahba, M. and Bridwell, L (1976). Maslow reconsidered: A review of research on the need hierarchy theory, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance. 15 (2); pp. 212–240.
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