Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Cameron John

Abstract

Seeking self-fulfillment is a relevant goal among many adults but one that is often not attained. Existing literature includes research on programs that enhance the well-being of participants but does not teach how core self-actualization attributes are significant in developing self-fulfillment. The main theoretical framework for this study was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs concentrating on the internal and external schemas of self-actualizing attributes. Using a snowball sample, the total number of qualified participants for this study was 80; the study was a cross-section sample of adults using a between group, single group, pre-/posttest, quantitative design. The 10 items of the core self-actualization factor in the Brief Index of Self-Actualization (BISA), was used to measure if participation in the Self-Actualizing Workshop could influence core self-actualization scores and if age is a factor in the ability to begin to self-actualize. The findings from 3 research questions concluded: (a) an independent t-test results showed no significant difference in pre-BISA core self-actualization scores between age groups, (b) a paired samples t-test results showed a significant difference between the mean values of pretest/posttest scores, and (c) an independent t-test results showed no significant difference in post-BISA core self-actualization scores between age groups. This research contributes to existing literature and reveals the possibility of enhancing individual change by employing the Self-Actualizing Workshop. Enhanced self-actualization provides people with the opportunity for a greater sense of self-fulfillment and purpose.

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