·         Analyzing Theory

o   Describe how humanism differs from the personality theories you have studied so far.

Humanism focuses more on the individual’s subjective experience than their behaviors and experiences that can be empirically measured (Shiraev, 2016). Humanism sees the individual as a unique entity that cannot ever be replicated and shouldn’t be lost in the sea of scientific facts (Shiraev, 2016).

o   Explain the role of nature and nurture in the humanistic approach.

Humanism emphasizes a genetic and a contextual uniqueness. Genetically, humas are all different and even their immediate surroundings are subject to the individual’s unique perspective. Humanism emphasizes the reality that individuals are ever evolving and in control of the actions they take and emotions they feel (Shiraev, 2016).

o   Describe the role of emotional intelligence in the humanistic approach.

Since humans are in control of their own actions and behaviors, they have a responsibility to ensure their actions contribute to their happiness. Being emotionally intelligent means being receptive to the internal processes of the self and others- humanism emphasizes finding a balance between setting goals and enjoying the human experience (Shiraev, 2016).

·         Applying Theory to Society

o   Explain the role of systemic issues in society, such as a lack of equity, access, or opportunity in the hierarchy of needs.

Some of the systematic issues in society such as affordable health care, access to education, equality in the workplace, and discriminating practices directly interfere with an individuals path to self-actualization and happiness according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Shiraev, 2016). After satisfying level one in the hierarchy (physiological needs), the individual is ready to progress to the second level- safety needs. These needs include security of resources and the individual’s health.

o   The final course in your degree program will challenge you to think about your role as an agent of social change. Explain how the humanistic approach generally, or Maslow’s hierarchy specifically, relates to your initial thoughts about being an agent of social change in your community. You can think about how humanism influences your approach to systemic issues or the role that being an agent of social change has on your views of self-actualization.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explains why systematic issues must be addressed. If certain needs are not met, the rest of the hierarchy is impeded as well. A society that interferes with access to these needs is a society set up for failure. As an agent of social change, my emphasis should be on creating a community where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive, but also emphasizes the role the individual must play in achieving happiness themself.

o   Locate and summarize one external article that investigates limitations of Maslow’s hierarchy and systemic issues in society.

A study conducting on social networking service usage in China reveals some motivations of individuals related to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Society is globally faced with an interesting era of social media. Its presence is overwhelming and sometimes its effects go unmentioned. Is it being used to enhance society as a whole or is it being used to give individuals a false and temporary sense of happiness? The article explores the motivations of individuals to continue using social media based on mainly two factors: social needs and self-actualization. The researchers found that a system of expectation and confirmation causes individuals to continue using social networking services (Cao, et al., 2013). These confirmations are based on fulfillment of social needs (emotional belonging and social presence) and fulfillment of self-actualization needs (self-expression and happiness) (Cao, et al., 2013). Confirmations have a stronger effect on social needs; and fulfilling social presence was more important than emotional belonging when measuring individuals continuance intentions (Cao, et al., 2013). The most likely factor to keep people using the platform, though, was found to be a fulfillment of their self-actualization needs (Cao, et al., 2013). Self-expression proved to be a huge reason people continued using the social networking systems (Cao, et al., 2013).

However, this study is very limiting in that it only explores the motivations of undergraduate students in one country, If we applied these same needs and fulfillments to those in a Western country, would we receive the same results? The limitation to Maslow's theory as well is that is cannot be globally translated. Different cultures have differing standards of happiness and different levels to progress through to acheive that happiness.

·         Applying Theory to Self

o   Thinking about the top of Maslow’s hierarchy, explain what self-actualization means for you. You can focus your answer as narrowly or holistically to your life experience as you would like. Consider what role school or your career has on your answer. Does success in those areas help you achieve self-actualization? Is it something else?

Self-actualization, for me, translates to self-awareness. Being able to reflect on where I’m at in life, what my emotions currently are, what my goals for the future are, and my plans to continue on the path of happiness all contribute to my overall state of being. Like any human, I have ups and downs, but I’m generally satisfied with my life as it is and can honestly say I’m overall happy with who I’ve become. I came from absolutely nothing with a traumatic childhood and no survival or coping skills and have done a lot of inner work without the use of therapy to realize my own contributions to my dissatisfactions. Upon being able to take responsibility and control of these things, I’ve been able to exist in an overall happier state of being. I don’t succumb to society’s perceptions of who I should be and what I shouldn’t do, but instead find ways to incorporate my own happiness into every aspect of my life, including my career and education. For myself, self-actualization has been a significant journey into my own unconscious manifestations, my habitual behaviors, my spiritual beliefs, and my personal agency. It has allowed me to contemplate the effect my internal and external processes have on not only myself, but my children, my spouse, my former relationships, my clients, and even strangers. By learning to be truly happy myself, I’m able to extend that knowledge and satisfaction to those around me.

References

Cao, H., Jiang, J., Oh, L.-B., Li, H., Liao, X., & Chen, Z. April 19, 2013. A Maslow's hierarchy of needs analysis of social networking services continuance. Emerald Insight. https://www-emerald-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09564231311323953/full/html

Shiraev, E. 2016. Personality Theories: A Global View. SAGE Publications, Inc. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506300795