Difference Between Self Actualization and Self Esteem

Table of Contents

The term “self-actualization” refers to the act of realising one’s full potential. Self-realization is a term that is often used interchangeably with self-actualization. However, Self-esteem is a subjective assessment of an individual’s total worth. Self-regard and self-worth are two synonyms for the word self-esteem.

Self Actualization vs Self Esteem

The main difference between self-actualization and self-esteem is that, according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the concept of self-actualization stands at the top of the list. Kurt Goldstein invented the word “self-actualization” for the first time in 1939. Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” theory places self-esteem on the fourth level, behind self-actualization, describing self-esteem as one of the essential esteem needs. In the year 1890, the term “self-esteem” was coined by William James.

The notion of self-actualization is utilised in a larger meaning in today’s approach, or in the current scenario, to define as the complete potential attained by humans with the support of other personality traits such as determination and strong willpower. Kurt Goldstein, who created the phrase and developed the conceptual analysis of self-actualization, defined it as the end destination reached or the goal set by all living creatures through realising their capacities.

Self-esteem is a subjective assessment of someone’s total worth. Self-regard and self-worth are two adjectives that are used as synonyms for the term “self-esteem.” Self-esteem was first started as a ratio by William James, who coined the word. The success-to-pretension ratio is calculated. In today’s world, self-esteem is described as a person’s battle to gain a sense of self-worth.

Comparison Table Between Self Actualization and Self Esteem

Parameters of ComparisonSelf ActualizationSelf Esteem
First useKurt Goldstein, 1939.William James, 1890
Original conceptAchieving final goals with all capabilities.successes: pretensions.
Modern conceptAchieving goals by attaining full potentialFeeling self-worth.
According to MaslowHighest positionBelow Self-actualization, in the fourth level.
Other termsSelf-realisationSelf-worth, self-regard

What is Self Actualization?

The term self-actualization refers to a person’s ability to reach his or her full potential. Self-realization is a term that is frequently interchanged with self-actualization. Self-actualization is ranked first in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Kurt Goldstein was the first to invent the term “Self-actualization” in 1939.

The notion of self-actualization is utilised in a larger meaning in today’s approach, or in the current scenario, to define as the complete potential attained by individuals with the support of other personality traits such as determination and strong willpower.

The phrase “self-actualization” was coined by Kurt Goldstein, who defined it as “the final destination attained or the objective set by every living person through actualizing the possibilities they possess.” Self-actualized people are aware of their inner potential, have innovative ideas, and have strong interpersonal bonds. Furthermore, they have a positive outlook on the world.

What is Self Esteem?

The term “self-esteem” refers to a subjective assessment of an individual’s overall worth. Self-regard and self-worth are two words that are used as synonyms for the phrase self-esteem. According to Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” theory, self-esteem occupies a fourth-level position below self-actualization, classifying self-esteem as one of the key esteem needs.

In 1890, the phrase “self-esteem” was coined for the first time. William James, on the other hand, was the one who started it. The phrase “self-esteem” was coined by William James, who expressed it as a ratio. The success-to-pretensions ratio is calculated. In today’s world, self-esteem is described as an individual’s battle to gain a sense of self-worth.

People who have mastered the quality of self-esteem are thought to be proud and satisfied in all of their accomplishments, they have complete faith and belief in themselves that they can achieve anything they desire, and they are extremely sensitive to others’ feelings, particularly when it comes to needs.

Main Differences Between Self Actualization and Self Esteem

  • The concept of self-actualization refers to the fact of fulfilling an individual’s potential. On the other hand, self-esteem refers to the evaluation of an individual’s overall value subjectively.
  • The term, “Self-actualization” was coined for the first time in 1939, by Kurt Goldstein. On the other hand, the term, “self-esteem” was put into use for the first time in 1890. However, it was initiated by William James.
  • Kurt Goldstein, who coined the term and the conceptual analysis of self-actualization expressed it as the final destination achieved or the target set by every living being by actualising the capabilities they possess. On the other hand, William James, who put forward the concept of the term, “self-esteem” expressed it as a ratio. The ratio is taken of successes to pretensions.
  • In the modern day’s approach, or the present scenario, the concept of self-actualization is used in a broader sense to define as the full potential achieved by humans with the help of other personality traits like determination, strong willpower. On the other hand, Self-esteem in the modern world approach is defined as the struggle of an individual to get the feeling of self-worth. Understanding your value not doing something below your own set of principles and standards is what is defined self-esteem in today’s era.
  • According to the Hierarchy of Needs put forwarded by Maslow, the concept of self-actualization is placed at the topmost or highest order. On the other hand, According to the “Hierarchy of Needs” theory that was put forwarded by Maslow, self-esteem grabs a place below self-actualization in the fourth level defining self-esteem as one of the vital esteem needs.
  • The self-actualized people, knows their inner potential, possess creative ideas and strong bonding with other people. Moreover, they also possess an optimistic viewpoint viewing the world. On the other hand, The people who have mastered the quality of self-esteem are believed to be proud and satisfied in every small and big thing done by them, they have utmost faith and belief in themselves that they can acquire anything they want and are quite sensitive regarding feeling for others and especially when it comes to needs.
  • One of the words that are used interchangeably with self-actualization is self-realization. On the other hand, some of the words which are used as the synonyms of the word self-esteem are self-regard and self-worth.
  • Conclusion

    The phrase “self-actualization” was coined by Kurt Goldstein, who defined it as “the final destination attained or the objective set by all living beings through actualizing the possibilities they possess.” Self-actualized individuals are aware of their inner potential, have innovative ideas, and have great interpersonal relationships. Additionally, they have a positive outlook on life.

    In today’s world, self-esteem is described as an individual’s battle to achieve a sense of self-worth. In today’s world, self-esteem is described as the ability to recognise one’s worth and refrain from acting by one’s own set of beliefs and norms.

    People who have mastered the quality of self-esteem are thought to be proud and satisfied in all of their accomplishments, they have complete faith and belief in themselves that they can achieve anything they desire, and they are extremely sensitive to others’ feelings, especially when it comes to needs.

    References

  • https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167286121007
  • https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1983-12714-001
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