The Myth of Self-Actualization
- 1 January 1988
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Humanistic Psychology
- Vol. 28 (1) , 7-38
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167888281002
Abstract
I argue that the primary function of a theory of self-actualization is to establish a myth of human development that provides conceptual support for people seeking fulfillment and offers clear normative guidance. An examination of Maslow's theory reveals inadequacies as a mythical interpretation of personal development. There are ambiguities and contradictions in the theory, and several conceptual elements may inhibit or corrupt the process of selfactualization. The failure of theory is due, I suggest, to confusing the project with naturalistic science and to the adoption of metaphors (biological) and methods (empirical) that are fundamentally inappropriate. A more fruitful approach may be found in emphasizing a mythical perspective from which life becomes a shared quest for the human good.This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit:
- Toward a Somatic Understanding of SelfJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1984
- Another Look at Self-ActualizationJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1984
- Pernicious OnenessJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1983
- Conceptual Foundations of Self-ActualizationJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1982
- The Failure of Self-Actualization TheoryJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1982
- The development of the concept of self-actualization in the writings of abraham MaslowCurrent Psychological Reviews, 1982
- Maslow's Other ChildJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1977
- Aiming At the Self: the Paradox of Encounter and the Human Potential MovementJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1976
- Alfred Adler and Humanistic PsychologyJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1971
- Self-Transcendence as a Human PhenomenonJournal of Humanistic Psychology, 1966