Final answer:
B. fulfilling one's own potential.
Self-actualization in Maslow's hierarchy of needs relates to fulfilling one's own potential, which is the highest need in the pyramid. This includes personal growth and self-fulfillment, achievable once lower-level needs are met.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the need for self-actualization is at the top of the pyramid. This highest level of need corresponds to fulfilling one's own potential and encompasses the drive towards personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the realization of one's unique capabilities. Options A (being accepted and belonging), C (feeling safe and secure), D (the ability to breathe), and E (having food and shelter) fall into the categories of physiological, safety, belongingness, and esteem needs, which are all foundational to reaching the pinnacle of self-actualization.
Maslow emphasized that lower-level needs such as physiological and safety needs must be met before one can fully focus on realizing personal growth and potential. The process of self-actualization is ongoing, and according to Maslow, only a small percentage of people achieve this state. However, criticism of Maslow's theory points to its subjective nature and challenges in accounting for real-world phenomena, as well as the later suggested level of self-transcendence, which involves seeking meaning and purpose beyond oneself, potentially leading to actions that benefit wider society.