Self-Realization, Success, and Adjustment

This book challenges all existing theories which link self-realization to wealth and honor, to be achieved only when all other needs are fully satisfied. This study is conducted by an international group of leading psychologists. It argues that existing pyramidal theories are not only unfair to all strata of society but also not defendable in light of scientific research. The authors put forward a new theory of self-realization based mainly on empirical research but also on the analysis of past literature and the study of famous people. They contend that self-realization functions within the framework of adjustment. This theory allows for the self-realization of the ordinary man not just the elite. In this framework the individual selects and defines what constitutes his/her self-realization. Self-Realization, Success and Adjustment will be of particular interest to personality theorists, occupational and career counselors, and social psychologists.

Divided into two parts, Part I of this book analyzes the meaning of self-realization for the modern man: Is it Success? Is it money or access to power? Is it the challenge of work? At the conclusion of this section the authors present their new theory based on the framework of adjustment. Part II gives a theoretical and practical analysis of the means toward self-realization: participation in the social process, the development of cognitive, effective, and motivational dimensions of personality, the planning and realization of life-long careers, and above all, the plan project of one's life.

EDGAR KRAU is Professor of Psychology and Labor Studies at Tel-Aviv University, Israel. A contributor to the Treatise of Industrial Psychology, he received the V. Conta award of the Roumanian Academy. Partial results of his investigations have appeared in over 60 international publications.