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Exploring Humanism and Self-Actualization: A Reflection on Maslow’s Hierarchy

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Overview
As Abraham Maslow said in The Psychology of Science: A Reconnaissance, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail” (1966). In previous modules, we have learned about psychoanalysis, the new wave of psychoanalysis, and the trait tradition. In this module, we have learned about the humanistic approach. This approach challenges a potential cognitive bias in psychoanalysis that treats behavior as pathology, or something that can be diagnosed and treated. For this journal, we will step outside of the pathology lens on behavior and focus on the role of happiness, self-improvement, and compassion.
Prompt
For your journal, use the Module Four Journal Template Word Document to answer the following questions in about 2 to 5 sentences each. Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Analyzing Theory
Describe how humanism differs from the personality theories you have studied so far.
Explain the role of nature and nurture in the humanistic approach.
Describe the role of emotional intelligence in the humanistic approach.
Applying Theory to Society
Explain the role of systemic issues in society, such as a lack of equity, access, or opportunity in the hierarchy of needs.
The final course in your degree program will challenge you to think about your role as an agent of social change. Explain how the humanistic approach generally, or Maslow’s hierarchy specifically, relates to your initial thoughts about being an agent of social change in your community. You can think about how humanism influences your approach to systemic issues or the role that being an agent of social change has on your views of self-actualization.
Locate and summarize one external article that investigates limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy and systemic issues in society.
Applying Theory to Self
Thinking about the top of Maslow’s hierarchy, explain what self-actualization means for you. You can focus your answer as narrowly or holistically to your life experience as you would like. Consider what role school or your career has on your answer. Does success in those areas help you achieve self-actualization? Is it something else?
What to Submit
Submit your completed Module Four Journal Template. Sources should be cited according to APA style.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

1. Title Page

Ensure you have a properly formatted title page in APA style:

Title: Include the title of your journal.
Your name: Your full name.
Institutional affiliation: The name of your school or university.

2. Introduction

While an introduction is not explicitly required for this assignment, a short introductory sentence or two to orient your reader about the focus of the journal would help set the context. You could mention that the journal explores Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the humanistic approach, including how they relate to self-actualization and social change.

3. Analyzing Theory

a. Describe how humanism differs from the personality theories you have studied so far.

What to include:
- Discuss the focus of humanism on positive human potential and growth, contrasting it with other theories like psychoanalysis, which often views behavior as stemming from unconscious desires and past traumas.
- Humanism emphasizes self-actualization and subjective experience rather than pathology.

b. Explain the role of nature and nurture in the humanistic approach.

What to include:
- Humanism sees both nature (genetic predispositions) and nurture (environmental influences) as equally important in shaping an individual’s development.
- Highlight how the humanistic approach emphasizes individual choice, free will, and the environment’s role in promoting or hindering personal growth.

c. Describe the role of emotional intelligence in the humanistic approach.

What to include:
- Emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation, plays a vital role in self-actualization within the humanistic approach.
- Discuss how emotional intelligence supports interpersonal relationships, growth, and understanding, central to humanistic psychology’s focus on well-being and fulfillment.

4. Applying Theory to Society

a. Explain the role of systemic issues in society, such as a lack of equity, access, or opportunity, in the hierarchy of needs.

What to include:
- Discuss how systemic issues can prevent individuals from fulfilling lower levels of Maslow’s hierarchy, such as basic needs (e.g., safety, food, and shelter) and social needs (e.g., belonging).
- Address how these barriers hinder the journey toward self-actualization for many people in society.

b. Explain how the humanistic approach generally, or Maslow’s hierarchy specifically, relates to your initial thoughts about being an agent of social change in your community.

What to include:
- Reflect on how Maslow’s hierarchy aligns with your perspective on creating opportunities for self-actualization in others, particularly marginalized communities.
- Consider how a focus on human potential can inspire social change efforts that work to improve access to needs like education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

c. Locate and summarize one external article that investigates limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy and systemic issues in society.

What to include:
- Find a scholarly article (from an academic database) that critiques Maslow’s hierarchy or explores how systemic factors challenge individuals’ ability to meet their needs.
- Summarize the main findings, focusing on how the article relates to the limitations of Maslow’s theory in light of societal issues.

5. Applying Theory to Self

a. Explain what self-actualization means for you.

What to include:
- Reflect on what self-actualization looks like for you personally. Does it involve career success, personal growth, relationships, or community service?
- Consider how your career or educational journey contributes to your progress toward self-actualization.

6. Conclusion

Conclude by briefly summarizing the key points covered in your journal. Reaffirm how the humanistic approach, including Maslow’s hierarchy, has influenced your thoughts on self-actualization and social change.

7. References

Be sure to cite any sources you used to support your points in APA style. For example, cite the article you found on the limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy, as well as any course readings or other references.