Meaning & use
self-actualization
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
The process of developing and using your own abilities and talents to the fullest, so that you become the person you are capable of being.
Grammar: Uncountable: no plural, and no 'a' or 'an' before it.
Patterns
- the pursuit of self-actualization
- a path to self-actualization
- achieve self-actualization
For many people, self-actualization means doing creative work that expresses who they really are.
The psychologist believed that self-actualization could only happen after basic needs like safety and belonging were met.
noununcountabletechnical
In psychology, the highest level of human need in Maslow's hierarchy, reached when a person fulfills their full potential.
Grammar: Used as a technical term in psychology; often capitalized in titles but usually lowercase in running text.
Patterns
- Maslow's concept of self-actualization
- the need for self-actualization
In Maslow's theory, self-actualization sits at the top of the pyramid of needs.
Her research focuses on self-actualization in older adults who take up new creative hobbies.
Common combinations
- the pursuit of self-actualization
- He left his corporate job in the pursuit of self-actualization.
- achieve self-actualization
- Few people feel they have achieved self-actualization by middle age.
- a path to self-actualization
- Travel was, for her, a path to self-actualization.
- self-actualization needs
- Self-actualization needs come after esteem needs in the model.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fulfillment
- Fulfillment is broader and more everyday; it can mean satisfaction from any area of life, while self-actualization is a specific psychological idea about reaching your potential.
- self-realization
- Self-realization is very close, but it is used more in philosophy and spirituality than in modern psychology.
Word family
- self-actualize verb
- To develop and use your full potential.
- self-actualized adjective
- Having reached your full potential.
Commonly confused: self-actualization or self-esteem? self-actualization or self-improvement?
self-actualization vs self-esteem
Self-esteem is how much you value yourself; self-actualization is about becoming everything you can be. In Maslow's model, esteem comes before self-actualization.
self-actualization vs self-improvement
Self-improvement is any effort to get better at something; self-actualization is the broader, deeper process of fulfilling your whole potential.
Practice
In Maslow's theory, which need comes directly below self-actualization?
Choose one answer.
Esteem needs are just below self-actualization in the hierarchy. Physiological, safety, and belonging needs are lower levels, so they come earlier.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “self-actualization”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.