Final answer:
Self-actualization is the drive to realize one's full personal potential and is seen as the pinnacle of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. It occurs when more fundamental needs such as safety, love, and self-esteem are met and represents the growth potential and fulfillment of an individual.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-actualization is a term used to describe a person's drive to maximize his or her personal potential. This concept was developed by Abraham Maslow, who placed self-actualization at the top of his hierarchy of needs, a pyramid which illustrates the progression of human needs from the most basic physiological survival needs to the summit of achieving one's full potential. According to Maslow, before self-actualization can occur, more fundamental needs like safety, love, and self-esteem must first be satisfied. Carl Rogers, like Maslow, believed that all individuals have an innate drive to grow and fulfill their own highest potential, a process they both referred to as self-actualization.
The journey toward self-actualization represents a path where individuals may express their talents and abilities, pursue their dreams, and seek personal growth. This concept aligns with the idea of humanistic psychologists, who emphasize free will, self-determination, and the positivity of the human spirit. Self-actualization is not about the high financial rewards of a job or seeing the best in others; it's about realizing one's personal capabilities and achieving personal growth and fulfillment.
The concept of self-actualization also touches upon the moral value of personal choice and freedom, where people have the liberty to make economic choices that align with their values and personal growth goals, not solely based on profit or high-paying employment.