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The Myth of Self-Actualization

Section of Psychology, Liverpool Polytechnic, C.F. Mott Campus, Liverpool Road, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 1NP, UK.

I argue that the primary function of a theory of self-actualization is to establish a myth of human development that provides conceptual support for people seeking fulfillment and offers clear normative guidance. An examination of Maslow's theory reveals inadequacies as a mythical interpretation of personal development. There are ambiguities and contradictions in the theory, and several conceptual elements may inhibit or corrupt the process of selfactualization. The failure of theory is due, I suggest, to confusing the project with naturalistic science and to the adoption of metaphors (biological) and methods (empirical) that are fundamentally inappropriate. A more fruitful approach may be found in emphasizing a mythical perspective from which life becomes a shared quest for the human good.

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Vol. 28, No. 1, 7-38 (1988)
DOI: 10.1177/0022167888281002


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