In: Psychology
According to Maslow and Rogers, what are the characteristics of a fully functioning person? In your response, include answers to the following questions: With which parts do you agree or disagree? How does Rogers' view compare with that of Maslow and other humanists?
Abraham Maslow, in his needs hierarchy theory, coined the term "self-actualization” to represent the highest needs of human beings. Self actualization refers to the tendency of individuals to maximize their inner potentials and pursue meaningfulness. For Rogers, a fully-functioning person is an individual who is continually working and striving toward becoming self-actualized. Rogers also held that such an individual engages in existential living or is able to live in his feelings and reactions of the moment. I agree with Roger's conceptualization of a fully functioning person, however, there are several other dimensions and characteristics that also need to be taken into consideration. For instance, other humanists have suggested that flexibility and openness to learning are also important qualities of fully functioning people. Their self-concept is not fixed and constantly evolves with new experiences.