Predictors of Self-Actualization

Melinda Pausanos

Abstract


The Theory on Attaining Self-actualization among Older Adults stated that there are characteristics that a person should develop which will enable him or her to become self-actualized. These characteristics namely emotional intelligence, spirituality and life satisfaction as possible predictors of self-actualization among older adults, were investigated in this study to validate those assumptions of the theory. This descriptive-correlational study utilized a multi-stage sample of 180 senior citizens in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. A 5-part instrument package was utilized to (1) describe the respondents’ demographic profile and obtain measures for their (2) emotional intelligence using the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), (3) spirituality using the 12-item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp), (4) life satisfaction using the 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS)and (5) self-actualization using a 16-item questionnaire developed by Boyum (2004). A Pearson r analysis indicated that emotional intelligence [r(180)=.232, p=.004], spirituality [r(180)=.295, p=.019], and life satisfaction [r(180)=.530, p=.000] correlate positively with self-actualization. Multiple regression analysis further indicated that the three variables significantly predict self-actualization (p=.000). The findings suggest that becoming a self-actualized older adult requires the combined attributes of having a sense of spirituality, developing emotional intelligence and attaining life satisfaction.

Keywords


Nursing; quasi-experimental; chi-square test for independence; Nursing Licensure Examination; Psycho-emotional intervention; Personality; Philippines; Asia

Full Text: PDF

References


Bailey, T., Eng, W., Frisch, M., & Snyder, C. R. (2007), Hope and optimism as related to life satisfaction. Journal of Positive Psychology, 2(3), 168-69. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/BZqZJh, (accessed last 23 January 2016).
Bandura, A. (1999). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 2(1), 21–41. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/JGnw7t, (accessed last 18 January 2016).
Boyum, R. (2004). Characteristics of a self-actualizing person. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/m1UZJm, (accessed last 13 January 2016).
Bredle, J. M., Salsman, J. M., Debb, S. M., Arnold, B. J., & Cella, D. (2011). Spiritual well-being as a component of health-related quality of life: the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy—spiritual well-being scale (FACIT-Sp). Religions, 2(1), 77-94. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/srNcXf, (accessed last 11 January 2016).
Bulatao, J. (1989). Understanding the Filipino psyche. Manila, Philippines: La Salle University Press.
Cruz, G. (2004). Health transition among Filipino older people (3rd ed.). Quezon City, Philippines: Grat Book Trading Publishing.
De Lazzari, S. A. (2000). Emotional intelligence, meaning, and psychological well (Doctoral dissertation, Trinity Western University). Retrieved from https://goo.gl/tnASPP, (accessed last 29 January 2016).
Diener, E., & Fujita, F. (1995). Resources, personal strivings, and subjective well-being: a nomothetic and idiographic approach. Journal of personality and social psychology, 68(5), 926.
Diener, E., Emmons, R.A., Larson, R.J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49, 71-75. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/BW6Z3h, (accessed last 6 January 2016).
Diener, E., Suh, M., Lucas, E. & Smith, H. (1999). Subjective well-being: Three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125(2), 276-302. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/E7d9b2, (accessed last 14 January 2016).
Greenberg, J. (1983). Overcoming egocentric bias in perceived fairness through self-awareness. Social Psychology Quarterly, 46( 2), 152-156.
Mroczek, D. & Spiro, A. (2005). Change in life satisfaction during adulthood: Findings from the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 88(1), 189-202. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/TKxHGJ, (accessed last 9 January 2016).
Pavot, W. & Diener, E. (1993). Review of the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Psychological Assessment, 5(2), 64-172. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/zBQB4j, (accessed last 3 January 2016).
Petrides, K. V. & Furnham, A. (2006). The role of trait emotional intelligence in a gender-specific model of organizational variables. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 36, 552-569. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/9Xz86f, (accessed last 14 January 2016).
Petrides, K. V. (2009). Psychometric properties of the trait emotional intelligence questionnaire (TEIQue). In Assessing emotional intelligence (pp. 85-101). Springer US. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/63j8nQ (accessed last 27 December 2015).



DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15631/aubgsps.v8i1.99

Article Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Metrics powered by PLOS ALM

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2016 ACADEME University of Bohol, Graduate School and Professional Studies

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.