US High School Psychology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The concept of self-actualization is most significant in humanistic psychology, which emphasizes the inherent potential of individuals to grow and develop into their best selves. Humanistic psychologists, like Abraham Maslow, proposed that self-actualization represents the pinnacle of psychological development, where a person realizes their personal potential, seeks self-fulfillment, and pursues personal growth and peak experiences.

In this approach, self-actualization is seen as a vital component of one's overall mental health and functioning, highlighting the importance of personal agency and the human capacity for creativity, problem-solving, and pursuing meaningful goals. This perspective contrasts with other psychological theories that may focus more on observable behavior, cognitive processes, or biological factors, which do not prioritize self-actualization as central to understanding human motivation and personal fulfillment.