Analysis Of Self-Determination Theory And Actualization Of Human Potential

Improved Essays
In the article; Self-Determination Theory and Actualization of Human Potential, we learn about the concepts and processes that determine how humans develop. The first concept/theory that we encounter is the humanistic potential (109). The humanistic potential states that when provided with the correct or positive reinforcements and behavior, humans can reach the “ultimate goal” in life and engage in a positive manner. In reaching this ultimate goal we include social interaction. Social interactions will assist with encouraging positive reinforcements to the human’s upbringing. There are other concepts and theories that will enhance and provide more in depth information on how humans reach their “ultimate goal” in life. These other theories …show more content…
by Charles S Carver and Eryn Baird. In this article they are attempting to test if self-actualization theory on the American dream of being financially successful or occupation status (289). The distinction starts with intrinsic and extrinsic motives. If any of the situations are done with one intent or the other it will affect self-actualization. They tested approximately 246 people. What they verified is that a person would reach a higher dream/ambition if they are related to greater self-actualization. If they have wrong ambition in mind, it will lower self-actualization (292). They came to the conclusion that it is more important to know why rather than what the dream is. In this study we also see that external pressure can become internalized, calling it introjected. In external pressure, the situation is being handled with more of a selfish motive. In identified motives, the situation is being handled because they are honest and are willing help. They do not need nor expect gratuity or any other “gifts” given to them. The theory that self-determined reasons can go into either financial or community ambition turns out inconclusive. They did not gather enough data for this particular subject but they did continue care. . In these articles it states that extrinsic and intrinsic behaviors can be selfish or not selfish determining on what the data is, how is it …show more content…
We often come across situations at work, school, or even at home that we can be selfish or not selfish. In my personal experience; I see more people being extrinsic and doing things for themselves. My first example will be in my home. My stepdaughter is suppose to have a set schedule to be with us at home. More often than not, her mom chooses to change her schedule and drop her off or pick her up at mom’s convenience. She does not worry about our plans or what the child would like. At work I experience a similar situation where a coworker will pull pranks to waste time and not help with the workload. It is more often than not now a days that we are more subject to extrinsic situations rather than intrinsic. Although, I, myself consider myself an intrinsic person. I always try to help with problems at work and at

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    Imagine living in a world where everything you know is different. In today’s age we are born selfish. It is the survival instinct we still have. Whenever we're hungry, angry, or disappointed, we show our selfishness. In this world that is all gone and all we know is doing what is best for everyone else.…

    • 1325 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Great Essays

    “Psychological egoism is the view that all men are selfish in everything that they do, that is, that the only motive from which anyone ever acts is self-interested.”(Cahn 72). There are two general arguments that psychological egoist give to try and show all actions are motivated by self-interest. The first argument is even when given a choice between selfish or unselfish act, assuming the action is voluntary, and the agent will choose what they want the most. By doing what the agent wants, they are acting selfishly no matter the act.…

    • 1367 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Great Essays

    The simplistic nature of the theory can be linked to the lack of evidence the theory was based on, despite challenges on scientific basis (Heylighen 1992) some empirical evidence has been found with a study into hierarchical structure underlying human goals showing support for the theory (Chulef, Read and Walsh…

    • 1218 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Intrinsic motivation functions with productivity and is self-sustaining. It is enhanced by social contexts but can unravel with punishment, evaluations and controlling rewards. Extrinsic motivation has four subcategories: external, introjected, identified, integrated, and regulation. Extrinsic motivation often is maintained by intrinsic motivation. The effects of extrinsic motivation diminish with controlling cold or critical social environments.…

    • 768 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Self-Actualization and Self-Determination are part of the concept of human potential. The article that this summary is about is of an article based upon self-actualization and self –determination. The main concept of this article is looking at a person’s own potential and how it is something more than previous psychologists have postulated. This article goes into depth about what SDT (Self-Determination Theory) is and how the writers go about trying to explain SDT.…

    • 770 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Human development refers to the procedure through which people normally develop and progress from early stages through adulthood. It means the development in totality such as physical, social, cultural, mental and emotional development. The distinctive parts of development and improvement that are measured include physical development, psychological development and social development. The field of human improvement contains numerous HYPOTHESES and their diverse thoughts regarding how kids improve and change as per time ( Berk, 2007). There are various assumptions which make understanding that youngsters’ improvements are a test.…

    • 1442 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    As stated by Julian Casablancas, “greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer.” This quote is a great reflection of the book No Country for Old Men because of the conflict that occurs between the characters over the greed of money. But the money that the characters deal with is no piggy bank and it would make any man drool over its presence because the bag of cash has millions of dollars in it. One of the characters, Llewelyn Moss comes across this bag and risks his wife’s life and even his own in order to protect it. One of the main themes that is displayed in the novel is greed; in first world countries, it is normal for people to own a lot of things because it is advertised through media and even through each other.…

    • 1115 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions. Wilhelm Wundt first began research for psychology psychologists have developed from around the world to bring us five main perspectives of psychology, known as, the five schools of thought. The five schools of thought help people to understand why people do certain motions, how people interact with each other, where we develop our mannerisms, and to have a deeper understanding of the human mind, through: biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive and humanistic perspectives. Biological psychology is the study of the physiological bases of behavior, which follows “the relationship between psychological processes and the underlying psychological events” (Britannica,…

    • 838 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The humanistic approach The humanistic approach was initially developed as a therapy and its theories are not accepted in mainstream psychology. However, it has made a marked influence on clinical psychology and counselling. It believes individuals have free will rather than being influenced by external forces. It is optimistic as it assumes that people have the choice to choose their own destiny and they endeavour to achieve their potential for psychological growth within the confines of any individual limitations.…

    • 746 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    The self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) has been widely applied to physical activity highlighting that an individual’s levels of personal motivation can have quite a significant impact on their physical activity and psychological functioning. (Ntoumanis, Edmunds & Duda, 2009). The self-determination theory is a macro-theory that explores what regulates motivation and whether certain behaviours are autonomous or self-regulated. Three essential and universal psychological needs are established, these being autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and these needs are essential for development. Different facets within the social environment can promote or discourage the satisfaction of certain psychological needs.…

    • 1383 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Rogers introduced the idea of the organismic valuing process, which is the inherent human tendency to reach for actualization of the self (Rogers, 1959, 222). This relates to his theory of personality, which suggests that humans choose which goals to accomplish depending on their personalities and what they believe is their purpose. That being said, self-actualization does not just apply to certain types of people or personality types, but rather manifests in “any person who’s in the process of becoming more congruent, more integrated, more complete as a person” (Carver & Scheier, 2012, pg. 273). In Carl Rogers’ opinion, achieving self-actualization is dependent upon the balance of three things: self-worth, self-image, and the ideal self (Rogers, 1961, pg. 61-62).…

    • 777 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Self-Determination Theory "Self-Determination theory (SDT) is an approach to human motivation and personality that uses traditional empirical methods while employing an organismic metatheory that highlights the importance of humans’ evolved inner resources for personality development and behavioral self-regulation"(Ryan & Deci, 2000, p. 68). Within this paper onee will discuss the correlation between SDT and motivation in relations to personal individual growth, and professional development. Determining Motivation "Self-determination theory suggests that there are different types of motivation, such that people vary not only in level of motivation but also in the source or quality of that motivation. At the same time, SDT postulates a continuum of autonomy to order those types of motivation" (Chemolli & Gagne, 2014, p. 575). Motivation is derived from the desire of the nature at hand; the interest of the specified subject, will determine the depth of the motivation.…

    • 1236 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Human development presents a set of guiding concepts that are described and explained with different theories. One may recognize five developmental theories, with distinct perspectives, while looking over the course of a person’s lifespan. One theory is the psychoanalytical theory. This is a theory of human development that starts in childhood and claims that unconscious desires and intentions, motivate human behavior. One may use this principle to comprehend mental functions and stages of growth and development.…

    • 781 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers are known not only for their work in the field of psychology but, more specifically for their focus on the humanistic domain of psychology. The humanistic approach of psychology focuses on the individuals’ potential and emphasizes the importance of growth. Maslow and Rogers had very similar perspectives about individuals and their strengths. They both believed human beings are innately good and that mental and environmental problems is what make individuals deviate. Even though most of their approaches are similar, they also have differences within their theories such as the way individuals reach self-actualization.…

    • 720 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    There are many personality theories that exist and most of the major ones fall into the four major personality perspective theories. Each of these perspectives attempt to describe different patterns in personality. The four major theories are the Psychoanalytic Perspective, Trait Perspective, Humanistic Perspective, and Social Cognitive Perspective.…

    • 834 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays

Related Topics