Exploring Self-Determination Theory and Human Potential

The concept of self is determined and actualized by the development of one’s psychological basic needs being met and living up to the potential that is both individually and universally defined. Self Determination Theory and Actualization of Human Potential and Education for Self Actualization both discuss the theories of determination and actualization in human development and its necessity to living a psychologically healthy life. The needs to fully develop one’s self are a key aspect in a successful life. Having goals and aspirations to better one’s self is important to all humans, regardless of race or culture. The importance of the Self Determination Theory and its explanation of basic needs, motivations and actualizing potential can lead to a further understanding of self actualization and its relation to my own life.

The Self Determination Theory (SDT) is a theory based on “organismic meta theory” concepts and suggests that humans continue to grow throughout life to become a more refined or organized version of themselves (Deci, Ryan & Guay, 2013). This kind of integrating of a human’s “psychological processes,

A person’s “perspective of what is truly possible” is indeed their own self-actualization (McAlindon, 1981) in Education for Self Actualization “becoming the best of who you are” helps to develop one’s self into a psychologically healthy person (McAlindon, 1981). Self esteem and self respect are important aspects that “contribute” to our psychological development of self and to other’s psychological development (McAlindon, 1981). We create and shape our own futures and the futures of those around us with our personalities and proper education to maintain an “absorptive, retentive, reasoning, and creative” affect on people which helps fully develop one’s self into an organized and integrated being (McAlindon,