Another oversimplification of Maslow ’s theory is that any given behav-
ior is motivated by a single need. Maslow argued that most behavior is the
result of multiple motivations. He used the example of sexual activity. It iseasy to see that physiological needs are satisfied through sexual behavior.
But that behavior can also be motivated by a desire to express affection, a
need to feel masterful and competent, or a desire to act masculine orASSESSING YOUR OWN PERSONALITY
Self-Actualization
Indicate the extent to which each of the following statements applies to
you, using this 4-point scale: 1 ¼Disagree, 2 ¼Disagree somewhat, 3 ¼
Agree somewhat, 4 ¼Agree.
1. I do not feel ashamed of any of my emotions.
2. I feel I must do what others expect of me.
3. I believe that people are essentially good and can be trusted.
4. I feel free to be angry at those I love.
5. It is always necessary that others approve of what I do.
6. I don’ t accept my own weaknesses.
7. I can like people without having to approve of them.
8. I fear failure.
9. I avoid attempts to analyze and simplify complex domains.
10. It is better to be yourself than to be popular.
11. I have no mission in life to which I feel especially dedicated.
12. I can express my feelings even when they may result in unde-
sirable consequences.
13. I do not feel responsible to help anybody.
14. I am bothered by fears of being inadequate.
15. I am loved because I give love.
To calculate your score, first reverse the values for items 2, 5, 6, 8, 9,
11, 13, and 14 (1 ¼4, 2¼3, 3¼2, 4¼1). Then add the values for all 15
items. The higher the score, the more self-actualized you are said to be at
this point in your life. You can compare your score with the norms forcollege students reported by the test developers:
Standard Mean Deviation
Men 45.02 4.95
Women 46.07 4.79
Scale: Index of Self-Actualization
Source: Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin by A. Jones and R. Crandall. Copyright 1986 by
SAGE Publications Inc. Journals. Reproduced with permission of SAGE Publications Inc. Journals
in the format Textbook via Copyright Clearance Center.288 CHAPTER 11 The Humanistic Approach