Final answer:
People who are self-actualized are characterized as being autonomous, meaning they are independent and driven by their own goals and values rather than conforming to external pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of people who are self-actualized is autonomous. Self-actualization is a concept derived from humanistic psychological theories and is often associated with Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The term self-actualized refers to individuals who have realized and fulfilled their potential and are capable of living a creative, productive, and authentic life. Such individuals are autonomous, meaning they are self-directed, independent thinkers who value their freedom to choose and do not conform easily to external pressures. In contrast, being self-centered, conforming, or authoritarian are not typical characteristics of self-actualized individuals. Instead, they tend to be non-conforming, creative, problem solvers, who enjoy deep personal relationships, have a democratic character structure, and possess a strong ethical and moral standard.