Self Actualization And Self Determination

Decent Essays
The meaning of self-realization expresses “a state at which our unconscious and conscious combine to form an integrated personality, a whole “self”. Whereas, self-determination describes a tendency toward growth and development that will lead to an individual’s full functioning. Both self-actualization and self-determination theories value an individual’s whole being operating in unity and harmony in order to fulfill their full human potential.
Both theories also seem to emphasize “self” as the primary agent of development. An integrated sense of self is motivated by a set of autonomous behaviors, which are important to full functioning. Self-determination focuses on three types of autonomous behaviors. They are motivated either intrinsically, extrinsically or are emotionally driven. Intrinsic motivations are pursued out of pleasure and not led by external rewards. You do what you love not because you are forced to do it but because you naturally want to do
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It seems the two concepts have some major overlaps in that they are in favor of human enrichment and fulfillment. An example of an application may be directed toward educators who too often introduce external controls into learning settings, which can undermine relatedness between teachers and students and stifle the natural, volitional processes involved in high quality learning. As noted, the concept of self-actualization is linked to higher motives such as altruism, family and honor. The self-actualized person, thus, may take actions, which will satisfy the needs of others at the same time that individuals ‘needs will be satisfied. Since maturity is crucial to self-actualization, self-actualized people can be great leaders. Therefore, an important relationship with older adults, peers, grandparents, mentors can benefit the younger generation to be more self-reliant and to cope better in social and cognitive

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