CH-12 Abraham Maslow and Transpersonal Psychology – Personality and Personal Growth : Exam Guide

Chapter 12: Abraham Maslow and Transpersonal Psychology Multiple Choice Questions 1. Humanistic psychology and transpersonal psychology are two major new fields that evolved as alternatives to behaviorism and A) cognitive-behavioral psychology. B) psychoanalysis. C) Jungian psychology. D) Personal construct psychology. Answer: B Rationale: Humanistic psychology and transpersonal psychology emerged as alternatives to behaviorism and psychoanalysis because they focused on the individual's conscious experiences, self-actualization, and spiritual aspects, which were not emphasized in behaviorism or psychoanalysis. 2. Maslow considered the labels applied to the various schools of psychology highly A) helpful. B) reifying. C) accurate. D) limiting. Answer: D Rationale: Maslow believed that labeling schools of psychology as behaviorism, psychoanalysis, etc., was limiting because it categorized and constrained the field, potentially oversimplifying the complexities of human behavior and experience. 3. Maslow’s writings on cognition and his work on creativity align closely with A) Wertheimer. B) Goldstein. C) Benedict. D) Perls. Answer: A Rationale: Maslow’s writings on cognition and creativity align closely with Wertheimer, a key figure in Gestalt psychology, who also emphasized holistic approaches to understanding human experiences and behavior. 4. Choose the correct order of Maslow’s ascending hierarchy of need priorities. A) Physiological needs, belonging and love needs, self-actualization needs, safety needs, esteem needs B) Physiological needs, esteem needs, safety needs, belonging and love needs, self-actualization needs C) Physiological needs, safety needs, belonging and love needs, esteem needs, self-actualization needs D) Safety needs, belonging and love needs, esteem needs, physiological needs, self-actualization needs Answer: C Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy of needs starts with physiological needs at the base, followed by safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs at the top. 5. These needs, Maslow wrote, are increasingly frustrated in our highly mobile, individualistic society: A) esteem needs. B) safety needs. C) physiological needs. D) belonging and love needs. Answer: D Rationale: Maslow wrote that belongingness and love needs are increasingly frustrated in highly mobile, individualistic societies where social connections may be more transient or superficial. 6. Maslow developed his hierarchy of needs as part of a general theory of motivation, not as a precise predictor of A) interpersonal relationship success. B) individual behavior. C) mental health. D) organizational resilience. Answer: B Rationale: Maslow developed his hierarchy of needs as a general theory of motivation to explain the basic needs that drive human behavior, rather than as a precise predictor of specific individual behaviors. 7. One of Maslow’s criteria for including people in his initial study was that A) all those studied made the best possible use of their talents and capabilities. B) all those studied had to be available for in-person oral interviews. C) all those studied had to be financially successful in their respective fields. D) all those studied had to have had some past experience with mental illness. Answer: A Rationale: Maslow included individuals in his initial study based on their ability to make the best use of their talents and capabilities, focusing on self-actualized individuals as examples of psychological health and fulfillment. 8. Maslow’s eight behaviors leading to self-actualization include concentrating, making each decision a choice for growth, self-awareness, and A) studying psychology. B) receiving an authoritarian education. C) marriage. D) honesty. Answer: D Rationale: Maslow's behaviors leading to self-actualization emphasize personal growth and authenticity, including honesty with oneself and others. 9. According to Maslow, self-actualization A) is analogous to great talent and intelligence. B) is something an individual either does or does not have. C) is a continual process of developing one’s potentialities. D) means the end of problems and difficulties. Answer: C Rationale: Maslow viewed self-actualization as a continuous process of developing one's potentialities, rather than a static state or something an individual either possesses or lacks. 10. Peak experiences A) tend to be triggered by intense, inspiring occurrences. B) refer to the sensations all climbers experience upon reaching a certain altitude. C) occur when we feel connected to the world. D) are of longer duration than plateau experiences. Answer: A Rationale: Peak experiences, as described by Maslow, are intense, transcendent moments of joy, fulfillment, or profound meaning that tend to be triggered by inspiring or significant events or circumstances. 11. In a visit to an electronics plant in California in 1962, Maslow observed differences in effectiveness and morale between self-actualizing and A) self-sacrificing employees. B) self-sacrificing managers. C) authoritarian managers. D) authoritative employees. Answer: C Rationale: Maslow observed that self-actualizing employees were more effective and had higher morale compared to employees working under authoritarian managers, who might inhibit self-expression and motivation. 12. Which one of the following principles is part of Maslow’s “enlightened management” approach? A) Assume few can be trusted B) Assume everyone has the impulse to achieve C) Assume healthy people would rather destroy than create D) Assume people in eupsychian plants are fixated at the safety-need level Answer: B Rationale: Maslow's "enlightened management" approach includes the belief that everyone has the impulse to achieve and can contribute positively to the workplace if given the opportunity and support. 13. Under conditions of low social synergy A) cooperation is maximized. B) the success of one member brings about a loss or failure for another. C) the cultural belief system reinforces cooperation and positive feelings between individuals. D) people’s energy levels are low. Answer: B Rationale: Low social synergy refers to a lack of cooperation or synergy among individuals, where the success of one may lead to a loss or failure for another, indicating a competitive or uncooperative environment. 14. According to Maslow, early frustration of a need may A) provide the stimulus to move on to the desired goal. B) lead to oral dependency. C) not affect goal attainment. D) fixate the individual at that level of functioning. Answer: D Rationale: Maslow believed that early frustration of a need could lead to fixation at that level of functioning, potentially hindering further growth and development. 15. People avoid this, which is at the heart of the process of self-actualization: A) self-knowledge. B) forgiveness. C) sobriety. D) happiness. Answer: A Rationale: Maslow suggested that people often avoid self-knowledge, which is at the heart of the process of self-actualization, as it requires introspection and confronting aspects of oneself that may be uncomfortable or challenging. 16. Maslow deplored the failure of most psychology textbooks to mention the word A) self-knowledge. B) forgiveness. C) love. D) happiness. Answer: C Rationale: Maslow criticized psychology textbooks for often neglecting to mention the word "love," which he considered a fundamental aspect of human motivation and fulfillment. 17. Understanding one’s inner nature and acting in accordance with it is essential to A) participating in community. B) actualizing the self. C) succeeding in school. D) true learning. Answer: B Rationale: Maslow believed that understanding one's inner nature and acting in accordance with it is essential to self-actualization, the process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential. 18. Maslow thought that a good therapist is A) like a mother or father. B) someone who offers discipline and guidance. C) like a Taoist helper, who offers assistance without interference. D) someone who can take charge. Answer: C Rationale: Maslow believed that a good therapist is like a Taoist helper, offering assistance without interference, allowing the individual to discover their own path and potential. 19. Research shows that self-actualization, as measured with the Personal Orientation Inventory, is positively correlated with leisure satisfaction, moral judgment, a sense of physical capability, and A) sexual dissatisfaction. B) various measures of mental health. C) occupational satisfaction. D) perfectionism. Answer: B Rationale: Research has found that self-actualization, as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory, is positively correlated with various measures of mental health, including leisure satisfaction, moral judgment, and a sense of physical capability. 20. Researcher Hoffman discovered nine distinct categories of childhood peak experiences including uplifting experiences in places of scenic grandeur, near-death or crisis episodes, spontaneous moments of bliss, and A) incredible academic achievements. B) episodes of deep bonding with animals. C) exhilarating athletic accomplishments. D) unforgettable dreams. Answer: D Rationale: Researcher Hoffman identified nine categories of childhood peak experiences, including memorable dreams, which are intense, meaningful, and often transformative experiences that occur during childhood and have a lasting impact. 21. No one can deny Maslow’s central importance as an original thinker and pioneer in human A) potential psychology. B) depth psychology. C) growth enhancement. D) liberation movements. Answer: A Rationale: Maslow is widely recognized as a pioneer in human potential psychology, emphasizing the study of human growth, self-actualization, and the fulfillment of individual potential. 22. Transpersonal psychology includes the study of A) the spiritual aspect of human experience. B) the feminist movement. C) identity and social conscience. D) transient people. Answer: A Rationale: Transpersonal psychology focuses on the spiritual aspects of human experience, exploring phenomena such as mystical experiences, spiritual practices, and transcendent states of consciousness. 23. An analysis of published definitions of transpersonal psychology in the last 35 years yielded three themes: beyond-ego psychology, integrative/holistic psychology, and A) psychology of potential. B) transcendence psychology. C) psychology of transformation. D) liberation psychology. Answer: C Rationale: The analysis revealed that one of the themes of transpersonal psychology is the psychology of transformation, emphasizing personal and spiritual growth, and the potential for profound change and development. 24. The perennial philosophy model includes the basic premise that A) individuals cannot directly experience the reality of the greater self, although they may feel its presence. B) feeling the presence of the greater self involves quantitative shifts in self and other-experiencing. C) a transcendent reality or unity binds together all phenomena. D) the individual or ego self is the greater, transpersonal self. Answer: C Rationale: The perennial philosophy model posits that there is a transcendent reality or unity that underlies and connects all phenomena, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. 25. Wilber views each stage of human development as a wave of A) diffuse energy. B) consciousness. C) transpersonal potential. D) intrapsychic challenges. Answer: B Rationale: Wilber views each stage of human development as a wave of consciousness, suggesting that individuals evolve through different levels of consciousness as they mature and grow. 26. According to Washburn, since the individual continues to repress or deny the dynamic ground and then return to the dynamic ground, progress through his three-stage model is A) linear. B) chaotic. C) simultaneous-sequential. D) non-linear. Answer: D Rationale: Washburn's three-stage model suggests that progress through stages of development is non-linear, as individuals may repress or deny aspects of themselves before integrating them into their awareness, leading to a cyclical or spiral-like progression. 27. Five classes of “exceptional human experiences” have been identified, including mystical/unitive, psychic, unusual death-related, and A) exceptional normal experiences. B) animal communication experiences. C) technology experiences. D) exceptional athletic-performance experiences. Answer: A Rationale: Exceptional human experiences include mystical/unitive experiences, psychic experiences, and unusual death-related experiences, as well as exceptional normal experiences that are uncommon but not necessarily paranormal. 28. Grof and Grof define spiritual emergencies as crises that sometimes occur in the process of A) psychological regression. B) mental illness. C) spiritual growth. D) taking difficult exams. Answer: C Rationale: Grof and Grof define spiritual emergencies as crises or intense experiences that can occur during periods of spiritual growth, often involving a profound shift in consciousness or understanding. True False Questions 29. As a boy, Maslow was extraordinarily outspoken and socially active. Answer: False Rationale: Maslow was actually shy and reserved as a boy, which influenced his later interest in understanding human behavior and motivation. 30. Maslow believed that psychoanalysis provided the best system for analyzing psychopathology and also the best form of psychotherapy available in the 1950s. Answer: True Rationale: Maslow respected psychoanalysis for its depth and insights into human behavior, considering it the best system for analyzing psychopathology and therapy available during his time. 31. Maslow’s work on self-actualization was inspired in part by Goldstein’s holistic approach. Answer: True Rationale: Maslow was influenced by Goldstein's holistic approach to psychology, which emphasized the importance of understanding the whole person rather than just isolated behaviors or symptoms. 32. Self-actualization rids the individual of problems and difficulties. Answer: False Rationale: Maslow emphasized that self-actualization does not mean the absence of problems or difficulties but rather a different way of approaching and dealing with them. 33. Safety needs are the most basic needs in Maslow’s need hierarchy. Answer: False Rationale: Physiological needs, such as food, water, and shelter, are considered the most basic needs in Maslow's hierarchy, followed by safety needs. 34. Because self-actualization is at the top of the need hierarchy, it is the strongest need and is relatively unaffected by the frustration of more fundamental needs. Answer: False Rationale: While self-actualization is at the top of Maslow's hierarchy, it does not mean it is the strongest need. All needs in the hierarchy are important, and the frustration of more fundamental needs can inhibit the pursuit of self-actualization. 35. The number of metagrumblers in a community is a good measure of the degree of enlightenment among its members. Answer: True Rationale: Maslow used the term "metagrumblers" to describe individuals who are critical and negative without offering constructive solutions. The presence of a high number of metagrumblers in a community may indicate a lack of enlightenment or positive growth among its members. 36. Maslow’s research on self-actualization included both contemporary research subjects and also historical figures. Answer: True Rationale: Maslow studied both contemporary individuals and historical figures, such as Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein, to understand the characteristics and behaviors of self-actualizing individuals. 37. Grouped into four dimensions, the characteristics of self-actualizers include awareness, honesty, freedom, and purpose. Answer: False Rationale: Maslow identified a variety of characteristics of self-actualizers, which he grouped into four dimensions: perception of reality, acceptance of self, spontaneity, and problem centering. 38. Maslow wrote that self-actualization is not an absence of problems, but a moving from real problems to transitional or unreal problems. Answer: False Rationale: Maslow believed that self-actualization does not mean the absence of problems but rather the ability to face and solve real problems effectively, leading to personal growth and fulfillment. 39. Research has shown that in describing peak experiences, people use similar terms. Answer: True Rationale: Studies have found that people tend to use similar terms, such as feelings of awe, transcendence, and interconnectedness, when describing peak experiences, suggesting some commonality in how these experiences are perceived and understood. 40. Because “transcenders” generally regard themselves as the carriers of their talents and abilities, they are highly ego-involved in their work. Answer: False Rationale: "Transcenders," as Maslow described them, are individuals who are self-actualizing and focused on personal growth, rather than ego involvement. They are motivated by a desire to fulfill their potential and contribute to others, rather than ego-centered goals. 41. All members in a eupsychian community would be engaged in seeking personal development and fulfillment in their work and in their personal lives. Answer: True Rationale: A eupsychian community, as envisioned by Maslow, is one in which individuals are striving for personal development and fulfillment, creating a positive and growth-oriented environment for all members. 42. High individual synergy is promoted by identification with others, as both selfish and altruistic motives are merged. Answer: True Rationale: In a state of high individual synergy, individuals are able to merge selfish and altruistic motives, leading to a greater sense of unity and cooperation, as described in Maslow's concept of synergy. 43. Maslow added two new defense mechanisms to the traditional psychoanalytic list: the Jonah complex and desacralization. Answer: True Rationale: Maslow introduced the concept of the Jonah complex, which refers to the fear of one's own greatness or potential, and desacralization, which involves the loss of a sense of awe or reverence for life, as defense mechanisms that can impact personal growth and self-actualization. 44. For Maslow, maladjustment includes “being able to give oneself over completely to an emotion, not only of love but also of anger, fascination.” Answer: False Rationale: Maslow did not include giving oneself over completely to emotions as a criterion for maladjustment. Instead, he focused on factors such as the inability to experience personal growth, lack of fulfillment, and persistent feelings of dissatisfaction. 45. Maslow believed that creative people are means-centered, rather than problem-centered. Answer: False Rationale: Maslow believed that creative people are problem-centered, meaning they are driven by a desire to solve problems and create new possibilities, rather than being focused solely on the means or methods of achieving goals. 46. Maslow distinguished between basic needs therapy and insight therapy. Answer: True Rationale: Maslow distinguished between basic needs therapy, which focuses on meeting basic physiological and safety needs, and insight therapy, which aims to help individuals gain self-awareness and insight into their behaviors and motivations. 47. Empirical research indicates that the hierarchy of needs is not a mechanical or simple model of human behavior. Answer: True Rationale: Empirical research has shown that Maslow's hierarchy of needs is not a rigid or simple model of human behavior, but rather a framework that can vary in its applicability and interpretation depending on individual differences and cultural factors. 48. Maslow always sought to experimentally “prove” or verify his ideas. Answer: False Rationale: While Maslow used empirical research to support his theories, he also acknowledged the limitations of traditional scientific methods in capturing the complexities of human behavior and experience. He emphasized the importance of qualitative methods and case studies in understanding human motivation and self-actualization. 49. One basic tenet of transpersonal psychology is that there is a source of inner wisdom, health, and harmony within each individual, distinct from the personality and the personal ego. Answer: True Rationale: Transpersonal psychology emphasizes the belief that each individual has a source of inner wisdom, health, and harmony that is distinct from the personality and the personal ego. This inner source is often referred to as the "transpersonal self" or "higher self." 50. The underlying concept of human nature in transpersonal psychology is new. Answer: False Rationale: The underlying concept of human nature in transpersonal psychology is not new but draws on ancient spiritual and philosophical traditions that emphasize the potential for transcendence and self-realization. Transpersonal psychology seeks to integrate these insights with modern psychological theory and research. 51. New paradigm transpersonal psychology defines psychological reality as just as real as physical reality. Answer: True Rationale: New paradigm transpersonal psychology considers psychological reality, including subjective experiences and states of consciousness, to be just as real and significant as physical reality, emphasizing the importance of understanding and exploring the inner dimensions of human experience. 52. In Wilber’s model, the inward arc precedes the outward arc. Answer: False Rationale: In Wilber's model of human development, the outward arc (or ascent) precedes the inward arc (or descent). The outward arc involves the development of individual consciousness, while the inward arc involves the integration of that individual consciousness into a larger, more holistic awareness. 53. Grof’s holotropic breathwork practice combined with psychotherapy was found to be more effective than psychotherapy alone. Answer: True Rationale: Studies have found that Grof's holotropic breathwork practice, when combined with psychotherapy, can be more effective than psychotherapy alone in facilitating personal growth, healing, and transformative experiences. 54. Assagioli argued that many psychological disturbances are crises of spiritual awakening, rather than symptoms of psychopathology. Answer: True Rationale: Assagioli, the founder of psychosynthesis, believed that many psychological disturbances are actually crises of spiritual awakening, representing a conflict between the emerging spiritual self and the ego rather than symptoms of psychopathology. 55. It has been suggested that only through the transformation of consciousness can we change and grow. Answer: True Rationale: Many spiritual and psychological traditions suggest that true change and growth come from a transformation of consciousness, involving a shift in perception, understanding, and awareness that transcends mere behavioral or superficial changes. 56. A survey of psychologists indicated that very few clients present with religious or spiritual issues. Answer: False Rationale: Surveys have shown that a significant number of clients do present with religious or spiritual issues in therapy, highlighting the importance of addressing these aspects of human experience in psychological practice. 57. Given the dominance of cognitive-behavioral approaches, it is unlikely that transpersonal psychology will grow in activity and influence. Answer: False Rationale: Despite the dominance of cognitive-behavioral approaches in psychology, transpersonal psychology has continued to grow in activity and influence, as it offers a unique perspective on human nature, consciousness, and personal transformation that complements other approaches. Essay Questions 58. In Maslow’s view, commitment to something greater than oneself and success at one’s chosen tasks are required for growth. What do you think Maslow meant by this? Answer: Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that individuals have a series of needs that must be met in a specific order, culminating in self-actualization. At the top of this hierarchy is self-actualization, which represents the realization of one's potential and the desire to accomplish everything that one can. According to Maslow, achieving self-actualization requires two key elements: commitment to something greater than oneself and success at one's chosen tasks. Commitment to something greater than oneself: This aspect of Maslow's theory emphasizes the importance of transcending personal interests and dedicating oneself to a cause or purpose that extends beyond individual needs. This could include a commitment to social justice, environmental conservation, or the betterment of society as a whole. By focusing on something larger than oneself, individuals are able to find meaning and purpose in their lives, which is essential for personal growth and self-actualization. Success at one's chosen tasks: According to Maslow, self-actualization also requires individuals to achieve success in their chosen endeavors. This success is not necessarily measured by external rewards or recognition but by the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that comes from pursuing one's passions and realizing one's potential. By succeeding at tasks that are meaningful and challenging, individuals are able to develop their skills and abilities, which is essential for personal growth and self-actualization. Overall, Maslow believed that commitment to something greater than oneself and success at one's chosen tasks are essential for personal growth and self-actualization. By dedicating oneself to a meaningful cause and achieving success in one's pursuits, individuals are able to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. 59. In terms of metamotivation, how is a sense of identity, success in a career, and commitment to a value system as essential to one’s psychological well-being as security, love, and self-esteem? Answer: Metamotivation, a concept introduced by Abraham Maslow, refers to the motivation to fulfill one's potential and achieve self-actualization. Maslow believed that in addition to basic needs such as security, love, and self-esteem, higher psychological needs such as a sense of identity, success in a career, and commitment to a value system are essential for psychological well-being. These higher needs contribute to a deeper sense of fulfillment and meaning in life, which are crucial for overall psychological health. 60. Incorporating eupsychia, Maslow’s term for a Utopian society, and synergy, or cooperation within a society, discuss the social implications of Maslow’s theory. Answer: Maslow's concept of eupsychia, or a Utopian society characterized by psychological health and well-being, emphasizes the importance of creating social environments that support individuals' growth and self-actualization. Synergy, or cooperation within a society, is essential for achieving eupsychia, as it fosters collaboration and mutual support among individuals. By promoting self-actualization and synergy, Maslow's theory suggests that societies can create environments that enhance individuals' psychological well-being and promote positive social change. 61. Can the pursuit of self-actualization begin at any time? Discuss why or why not. Answer: According to Maslow, the pursuit of self-actualization can begin at any time, as it is a lifelong process of personal growth and development. However, the ability to pursue self-actualization may be influenced by various factors such as life circumstances, personal beliefs, and social context. For example, individuals who face significant obstacles or lack access to resources may find it more challenging to pursue self-actualization. Nonetheless, Maslow believed that all individuals have the potential for self-actualization and that the pursuit of this goal can lead to greater fulfillment and meaning in life. Short Answer Questions 62. An organism’s ___________ clamor to be used, and cease their clamor only when they are used sufficiently. Answer: capacities 63. All ___________-___________ people are dedicated to a vocation or a cause. Answer: self-actualizing 64. Maslow argued that it was more accurate to generalize about ___________ ___________ from the best examples he could find than from documenting the faults and problems of average or neurotic individuals. Answer: human nature 65. High social synergy maximizes ___________. Answer: cooperation 66. The earliest orientation of transpersonal psychology was the study of phenomena beyond the conditioned ego, including experiences of Maslow’s ___________-___________ including beauty, love, and compassion. Answer: B-values 67. According to Washburn, the pluralistic or ___________ perspective is based on respect for the diversity of spiritual traditions and individual paths of psychospiritual development. Answer: participatory Matching Questions 68. Metapathology A. Especially joyous and exciting moments in the life of every individual 69. Eupsychia B. Ideal, human-orientated communities and societies 70. Deficiency diseases C. Are likely to regard themselves as the carriers of their talents and abilities 71. Peak experiences D. More stable and longer-lasting than peak experiences 72. Creative people E. A lack of values, meaningfullness, or fulfillment in life 73. Metamotivation F. Problem-centered, focused on the demands and requirements of the desired goals 74. Plateau experiences G. Combined action of elements resulting in total effect greater than all elements taken independently 75. Transcending self-actualizers H. Behavior inspired by growth needs and values 76. Synergy I. Neuroses and psychological maladjustment Answers: 68) E 69) B 70) I 71) A 72) F 73) H 74) D 75) C 76) G Test Bank for Personality and Personal Growth Robert Frager, James Fadiman 9780205953752, 9780205254781