Growth Motivation and Positive Psychology Chapter 15
Growth Motivation andPositive Psychology
Chapter 15
Holism And Positive Psychology
Self-Actualization
Two Fundamental Directions
An ever-fuller realization of one’s talents, capacities, and potentialities (Maslow, 1987)
Inherent developmental striving
Hierarchy of Human Needs
Growth vs. Deficiency NeedsGrowth Needs Deficiency Needs
Person feels a need to fulfill personal potential
Also known as self-actualization needs
Provide energy and direction to become what one is capable of becoming
States of wholeness, aliveness, uniqueness, truth, playfulness, and meaning
Physiological disturbances
Needs for safety, belongingness, and esteem
Like vitamins: without them, growth and development are inhibited
Deprivation= human sickness (a failure to move toward growth and actualization)
Encouraging Growth
Table 15.1 Six Behaviors That Encourage Self-Actualization
1. Make Growth Choices
2. Be Honest
3. Situationally Position Yourself for Peak Experiences
4. Give Up Defensiveness
5. Let the Self Emerge
6. Be Open to ExperienceIntimate and fulfilling relationships that support both autonomy and openness
Actualizing Tendency“The organism has one basic tendency and striving – to actualize, maintain, and enhance the experiencing self.” (Rogers, 1951)
Process of Actualization
Causality Orientations
GROWTH-SEEKING VS. VALIDATION-SEEKING
Validation-Seeking Strivings for proving self-worth, competence, and
likeability
Growth-SeekingStrivings for learning,
improving, and reaching personal potential
Vulnerability to mental health
difficulties
How Relationships Support The Actulalizing Tendency
How Relationships Support The Actulalizing Tendency
The Problem Of Evil
Positive Psychology & Growth
Outcomes
1. Fostering personal growth and well-being
2. Preventing human sickness from ever taking root within the personality
Building Of The Personal Strength
s
Positive Psychology & Growth
Three Illustrative Personal Strengths
Positive Psychology Therapy Gratitude visitWrite and deliver a letter (in person) of gratitude
to someone who has been kind to you Three good things in life
Each day, write down three things that went well and identify the cause of each
You at your bestWrite about a time when you functioned at your
best. Reflect on the personal resources that made that possible
Identify signature strengths Identify up to five personal signature strengths
and find a way to use each in a new way
Criticism