Maslow’s theory:

Maslow was the first to research and initiate the area of the motive to self-actualization. His
theory stems around the concept of ‘need’, Maslow hierarchy reflects a linear pattern of
growth and are hierarchically organised. More basic needs are found at the bottom of the
pyramid and the self-actualization need is at the top. The bottom of the pyramid is the most
important of the hierarchy in terms of survival of an individual compared to the higher-level
needs in order to get to the top the bottom must all be satisfied. Maslow’s hierarchy is
described as follows:

 At the bottom of the pyramid are the psychological (or basic) needs of a human
being: breathing, food, water, sleep, sex.
 The next level is safety needs: security, order and stability.
 The third level of need is love and belonging
 The fourth level is esteem
 The top of the hierarchy is the self- actualization need.

Maslow (1968) claimed that lower levels of needs within the hierarchy
pyramid needs to be satisfied first before satisfying the higher ones. This is because the
lower level needs are more powerful and urgent to achieve due to its relevancy of survival.
The needs are arranged specially in order to show that an individual has to his have enough
food and feel safe before attempting to earn esteem. Maslow (1968) suggested that the
hierarchy was designed to reflect the average individual, it emerges during human
development -satisfying the lower needs early in life and gradually as the individual develops
these needs, then the higher needs will fall into place and becomes satisfied. Maslow (1968)
also theorized that individuals who attempted to go straight to higher needs their motivation
will be weak and easily disrupted. ‘This inner tendency toward self-actualization is not strong
and overpowering and unmistakable like the instincts of animals. It is weak and delicate and
subtle and easily overcome by habit, cultural pressures and wrong attitudes toward it

Carl roger’s theory:

Rogers identified five Characteristics of the fully functioning person:

 Open to experience-both negative and positive feelings are accepted.

Negative feelings are not cast away alternatively worked through them.
 Existential living- avoids prejudging and preconceptions in situations. Being
able to enjoy the current moment and not always looking back in the past or
forward to the future (living for the moment).
 Trust feelings-trusting their own feelings and judgement and not seeking for
anyone else for guidance. Trusting that their own decisions are the right one.
 Creativity-the ability to adjust, change and seek new experiences. Risk taking
and not playing safe all the time. Have creative thinking in the person’s life.
 Fulfilled life- the person is happy and satisfied with life yet still looking for new
challenges and experiences.
Comparison of Self-actualization theory of Maslow and roger:
Self- actualization to Maslow represents growth of an individual toward fulfilment of the
highest need. Maslow (1968) defined it as ‘the process of becoming more and more what
one idiosyncratically is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming’. Maslow
suggested that individual is not doing what they were made to do, they simply cannot feel
completely fulfilled, therefore making the individual feel unsettled about their future. Both
Maslow and Rogers agree that everyone is good and are able to self-actualize.

Rogers (1902-1987) had an alternative explanation to self-actualization he called it the fully

functioning person- “The organism has one basic tendency and striving – to actualize,
maintain, and enhance the experiencing organism” (Rogers, 1951). He believed that a
fully functioning person is an individual who is already or on theory way to becoming self-
actualized this occurs when a person ideal self (who they would like to be) is congruent with
their actual behaviour (self-image). He believed that everyone could achieve their goals,
wishes and desires in life and when the person has done so, self – actualization takes place.

CONCLUSION AND COMPARISON:

It suggested that Rogers ideas are more valid as his research includes therapy of clients, as
Maslow’s had little evidence based on his own personal thoughts.

Difference between their theories:

 Maslow fully acknowledges the self-actualization of individuals to their very self.
Rogers does not credit the individual only for self-actualization but emphasize on the
necessity of the environment especially through empathy, genuineness, and
acceptance of others that result in a condition for growth.
 Rogers believed that early childhood experiences are important for the person to
achieve self-actualization however Maslow did not take this into consideration and
only focused primarily on achieving needs within the hierarchy.
 between the two theories of self-actualization it appears to show that rogers believe
that all people can aim to become self-actualized on the other hand Maslow only
thinks that a small percentage can strive to that level.

Similarity between their theories:

 The two theories have a similar path in terms of individuals following they’re on way
to achieve self-actualization and more basic needs in terms of survival needs have to
be satisfied first before an individual can achieve self-actualization. They both agree
on being accepted can be more influential than the need for self-actualization.
 Rogers primarily focused on therapy to help individuals to help reach to the full
potential and Maslow agreed with this technique.
 a striking similarity between the two is the stress laid on looking at people through a
positive outlook, emphasizing on their inner qualities and capability to grow.