Living Up to One's Potential: Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

What is the concept of self-actualization in Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Living up to one's potential and pursuing personal fulfillment are referred to as self-actualization wants in Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Why did Abraham Maslow research individuals with poor health?

Answer:

Abraham Maslow researched individuals with poor health to lay the foundation for his hierarchy of needs. By studying individuals with different levels of well-being, Maslow discovered the fundamental requirements for human development and ultimate happiness.

Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that divides human needs into five levels of importance. At the top of the hierarchy is self-actualization, where individuals strive to achieve their full potential and seek personal fulfillment.

Maslow's research on individuals with poor health allowed him to categorize human needs into physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization requirements. By understanding and fulfilling these needs in a hierarchical order, individuals can progress towards self-actualization.

Self-actualization represents the highest level of human needs according to Maslow's theory. It signifies the drive to realize one's full potential and pursue activities that bring fulfillment and satisfaction. Maslow believed that only after meeting all the lower needs could an individual focus on achieving self-actualization.