🧠ap psychology review

Self-actualizing tendency

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

In humanistic psychology, the innate motivation to develop one's full potential and become the best version of oneself, viewed as a primary motivating factor in personality.

AP course connection

Topic 4.4: 4.4 Psychodynamic and Humanistic Theories of Personality

Unit 4

"Self-actualizing tendency" also found in: