Feist−Feist: Theories of
Personality, Seventh
EditionIII. Humanistic/Existential
Theories- Maslow: Holistic
Dynamic Theory
(^298) © The McGraw−Hill
Companies, 2009
in their spontaneous and natural behavior. They ordinarily live simple lives in the
sense that they have no need to erect a complex veneer designed to deceive the
world. They are unpretentious and not afraid or ashamed to express joy, awe, elation,
sorrow, anger, or other deeply felt emotions.
Problem-Centering
A fourth characteristic of self-actualizing people is their interest in problems outside
themselves. Non-self-actualizing people are self-centered and tend to see all the
world’s problems in relation to themselves, whereas self-actualizing people are task-
oriented and concerned with problems outside themselves. This interest allows self-
actualizers to develop a mission in life, a purpose for living that spreads beyond self-
aggrandizement. Their occupation is not merely a means to earning a living but a
vocation, a calling, an end in itself.
Self-actualizing people extend their frame of reference far beyond self. They
are concerned with eternal problems and adopt a solid philosophical and ethical
basis for handling these problems. They are unconcerned with the trivial and the
petty. Their realistic perception enables them to clearly distinguish between the im-
portant and the unimportant issues in life.
The Need for Privacy
Self-actualizing people have a quality of detachment that allows them to be alone
without being lonely. They feel relaxed and comfortable when they are either with
people or alone. Because they have already satisfied their love and belongingness
needs, they have no desperate need to be surrounded by other people. They can find
enjoyment in solitude and privacy.
Self-actualizing people may be seen as aloof or uninterested, but in fact, their
disinterest is limited to minor matters. They have a global concern for the welfare of
others without becoming entangled in minute and insignificant problems. Because
they spend little energy attempting to impress others or trying to gain love and ac-
ceptance, they have more ability to make responsible choices. They are self-movers,
resisting society’s attempts to make them adhere to convention.
Autonomy
Self-actualizing people are autonomous and depend on themselves for growth even
though at some time in their past they had to have received love and security from
others. No one is born autonomous, and therefore no one is completely indepen-
dent of people. Autonomy can be achieved only through satisfactory relations with
others.
However, the confidence that one is loved and accepted without conditions or
qualifications can be a powerful force in contributing to feelings of self-worth. Once
that confidence is attained, a person no longer depends on others for self-esteem.
Self-actualizing people have that confidence and therefore a large measure of auton-
omy that allows them to be unperturbed by criticism as well as unmoved by flattery.
This independence also gives them an inner peace and serenity not enjoyed by those
who live for the approval of others.
292 Part III Humanistic/Existential Theories