Personality is the set of unique habitual traits and patterns of emotions that propel an individual to feel, think and behave in a certain manner. These patterns evolve from the biological and environmental factors affecting the person and distinguish them from everyone else (Dweck, 2013). There are various theories that elaborate on how personality and behavioral traits evolve over time and how one becomes productive or non-productive. Understanding your personality is essential in developing the strength to overcome challenges and achieve set life goals. Theorists such as Maslow, Rogers, Skinner, and Rotter have come up with various theories that elaborate the different personality types. This article analyses the Maslow theory of personality and its relation to Christianity faith.
According to Abraham Maslow, human beings strive for self-actualization right after they have attained their basic needs. This humanistic theory studies the whole person and their uniqueness from their subjective experience (Ryckman, 2012). As the most popular theory in humanistic psychology, Maslow’s theory focuses on empathy and illustrates the transformation of human needs in a person’s natural life and the impact that the need have on the development of personality. The utmost satisfaction of any human according to this theory is self-actualization but one masters each level of need before proceeding to the next stage. Maslow examined the personalities of self-actualized and made conclusions that achievement of self-actualization optimized the psychological health and functioning of an individual (Schultz, & Schultz, 2016).
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The end result of Christianity is faith which integrates the needs of an individual. Maslow theory explains that the nature of humankind had no violence and other evil just as the Christianity faith explains. However, deprivation of basic human need may lead to individuals developing violence and other defensive mechanisms (Ryckman, 2012). The theory develops individualism and self-realization just as Christianity where one is defined by the way of Christ and the scriptures determine their way of life. The theory and Christianity complement each other in the lifelong challenge of knowing yourself and eventually results in the attainment of complete holistic awareness.
Maslow theory of personality is a relevant theory since it involves psychodynamic and behaviorist explanations of personality. The theory is also easily applicable since it views people’s lives as those peoples would view them by not ignoring the need for self-actualization (Schultz, & Schultz, 2016). Other theories ignore the nature of mankind of self-determination but this theory uses an optimistic approach to evaluation in perceiving human nature. Maslow theory emphasizes the knack of individuals to think rationally and manage their biological urges in an effort of attaining their utmost potential.
Countless factors influence the development of personal feelings. For instance, the environment that one grows up in is a major contribution to the behaviors of individuals. Growing up in a hostile environment may develop resent which grows to violence and harmful behaviors (Dweck, 2013). Other factors include self-perception, adolescence, physical and mental health.
In the humanistic assessment, everyone is responsible for their actions, attitudes and determine their freedom. Personality theory explains the major aspects that affects the development of individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I am personally partial to the concept of self-actualization since it permits me to generate my own individualized inspiration and anticipated goals in life, disregarding racial difference, cultures, and religion (Dweck, 2013). The theory has encouraged me to be deep-rooted in reality and be part of the formulation of solutions. These concepts have contributed significantly to the realization of the resilience in tackling what can be changed and accepting what I can’t change. In an attempt to establish new habits, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, the theory act as independent motivational systems that shape one attitude and discover basic physiological needs.
- Dweck, C. S. (2013). Self-theories: Their role in motivation, personality, and development. psychology press.
- Ryckman, R. M. (2012). Theories of personality. Cengage Learning.
- Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2016). Theories of personality. Cengage Learning.