Comment on "Reaction to 'Increase in assertiveness and actualization as a function of didactic training.' "

Responds to W. G. Darou's (see record 1983-04001-001) suggestion that the elevated scores on the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) as a result of didactic training reported by the present author (see record 1981-28392-001) reflect a change in knowledge about self-actualization and not a change in self-actualization itself. It is argued that the research clearly indicates that knowledge alone cannot cause POI elevation, and that the instructional and modeling components that constitute didactic training are utilized in such a way that there is an increase in the actual level of self-actualization. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reaction to "Increase in assertiveness and actualization as a function of didactic training."

A recent article by R. C. Goddard (see record 1981-28392-001) described a study in which didactic training led to gains in self-actualization, as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI). From research regarding the POI's validity, an alternate conclusion to Goddard's is suggested: Didactic training produces changes in knowledge about self-actualization, not self-actualization itself. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personality variables which discriminate between groups differing in level of self-actualization.

Administered the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, the Differential Value Profile, and the Achievement Motivation Scales for Males and Females to 150 male and 150 female undergraduates with high, median, and low scores on the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI). Males and females differed significantly in their levels of self-actualization as measured by the POI. Males and females were both significantly discriminated by the personality variables, but by different combinations of these variables. Data suggest that a close relationship may exist between self-actualization and self-concept, and that low self-actualizing males and females differ from high self-actualizing males and females on several dimensions. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relationship between repression-sensitization and a measure of self-actualization.

Tested 55 male and 55 female undergraduates on Byrne's Repression-Sensitization (R-S) scale and the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), a measure of self-actualization, to determine the relationship between these variables. Findings reveal significant sex differences on 10 of 12 POI scales, with females scoring higher than males. All 12 POI scales were found to be negatively and significantly related to R-S scores for each sex and for total Ss, and all but 2 of the comparisons were significant beyond the .001 level. Results provide additional confirmation of the hypothesis that the relationship between R-S and personal adjustment may be linear. (23 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relationship of a measure of self-actualization to neuroticism and extraversion.

To examine the relationships between personality constructs of "neuroticism" and "self-actualization," the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), a measure of self-actualization, and the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), a measure of neuroticism-stability and extraversion-introversion were each administered to a sample of 136 undergraduate college students. Ss were selected on the basis of scores on the neuroticism dimension to form a "high" neurotic group and a "low" neurotic group, and mean scores were obtained for each group on each of the POI scales. All mean differences were significant at or beyond the .05 level. Thus, even though developed from somewhat differing theoretical considerations, the present instruments appear to be tapping a common core of mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of knowledge above self-actualization on faking the Personal Orientation Inventory.

In a study with 90 undergraduates, factorially manipulated instructions (fake bad, be honest again control, fake good) and knowledge of self-actualization (naive, knowledgeable) were used to determine whether knowledge affects one's ability to (a) create a poor impression or (b) create a good impression in comparison with appropriate controls on a measure of self-actualization--the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI). Results show that both naive and knowledgeable Ss could lower their POI scores significantly when asked to do so; only knowledgeable Ss could fake good. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Human Potential Seminar outcomes as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory and Goal Attainment Inventories.

Investigated Human Potential Seminar (HPS) outcomes for the 4 HPS objectives (self-affirmation, self-determination, self-motivation, and regard for others) and its overall purpose, self-actualization. The criterion instruments included the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) and 2 researcher-developed inventories based on Kiresuk and Sherman's Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). These were the Individualized Goal Inventory (IGI) and the Human Potential Seminar Goal Inventory (HPSGI), designed to assess HPS outcomes using individually determined and trainer-determined goals. Posttesting was conducted about 1 mo following the conclusion of the 6-wk HPS and included the POI, IGI, and HPSGI. Results of an analysis of covariance indicated that the treatment group improved significantly more than the control group on the 4 HPS objectives and on its overall purpose, self-actualization. Specification of the treatment process and the outcomes have practical implications for the counseling professional and the consumer. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of psychoanalytic and a client-centered group treatment model on measures of anxiety and self-actualization.

30 volunteer graduate counseling students were randomly assigned by sex to 1 of 4 treatment groups involved in either a psychoanalytic or a client-centered group treatment model. One male and 1 female group leader led 1 group in each model. All groups met for 2 4.5-hr sessions on consecutive Saturdays or Sundays. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered toward the end of the 1st day. The Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) was used to measure self-actualization before, immediately after, and 1 mo following treatment. Data were analyzed on 19 Ss who completed both days of treatment. Significant differences were found between treatment models in levels of group anxiety and in gains in self-actualization. The psychoanalytic groups reported higher anxiety, and the client-centered groups showed greater initial gains on the POI and maintained these gains at follow-up. Sex of leader was not a major source of difference between group treatment models. (10 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sex differences on the Personal Orientation Inventory

Differences on the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) between 816 male and 408 female entering freshmen were examined. Females scored consistently and significantly more in the purported self-actualizing direction on the POI scales and subscales than males in this study. Special emphasis was placed upon the pattern of significant scale differences in an effort to derive the meaning of such male-female differences for these and other data. One interpretation is that females may be seeking a college education for more self-actualizing purposes than males. It is suggested that the consistency of such differences be further explored and that sex differences on the POI be considered in future studies of self-actualization.     

Self-actualization level as a predictor of practicum supervision effectiveness.

20 counseling students at high and low levels of self-actualization (as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory) were randomly assigned to high or low self-actualizing supervisors to assess the effects of such assignment on change in self-actualization during the course of the beginning practicum semester. A control group of 5 counseling students not enrolled in the practicum were also pre- and posttested to assess their change in self-actualization during the same semester. It was assumed that counselor growth in self-actualization would be affected by the level of self-actualization of the supervisor. Results do not support this assumption. Counseling students tended to gain in self-actualization whether or not they were enrolled in a practicum and regardless of the level of self-actualization of the supervisors to whom they were assigned. Evidence linking counseling effectiveness and self-actualization is advanced; speculation about supervision effectiveness and self-actualization requires further testing. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-actualization in a marathon growth group: Do the strong get stronger?

Examined the effects of a weekend marathon on the level of self-actualization of 20 male and 8 female college students 1 and 4 wks after their group experience. The relationship between ego strength and extent of change in self-actualization during a marathon was also studied. Comparison of pre- and posttest scores on the Personal Orientation Inventory and Barron Ego-Strength scale indicate that, in general, the group experience did increase self-actualization and the effects persisted through the 4th wk afterward. The possibility of a sleeper effect is discussed, and hypotheses are offered regarding conditions necessary for such groups to be effective. Ss' initial level of ego strength was unrelated to changes in self-actualization. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Influence of transcendental meditation: A replication.

Replicated the study by W. Seeman et al (see record 1972-29165-001) of the influence of transcendental meditation on self-actualization. The Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) was administered to 9 undergraduates 2 days before beginning a meditation program, and to 9 controls, and readministered 10 wks later. No significant differences were found between groups on the 1st administration. Significant differences were found on the 2nd administration; experimental Ss had higher scores on the Inner Directed and Time Competence scales (p     

Comment on a test review: The Personal Orientation Inventory.

Replies to S. L. Raanan's (see PA, Vol. 51:Issue 5) criticism of Shostrom's Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) by reviewing recent studies concerning POI concurrent validity and usefulness. It is concluded that the POI is a valuable diagnostic, research, and therapeutic instrument. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-actualization effects of a marathon growth group.

Examined the effects of a marathon group experience on 34 female and 26 male undergraduates' level of self-actualization 2 days and 6 wks after the experience, and assessed the relationship between ego strength and extent of change in self-actualization during a marathon growth group. The Personal Orientation Inventory and the Barron Ego-Strength scale were given to all Ss. It was found that gains in self-actualization as a result of marathon group participation depended upon an individual's level of ego strength upon entering the group. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-actualization and cognitive processes.

Investigated the hypotheses that (a) the creation of new experience in cognitive functioning involves increased differentiation and integration of meaning and (b) self-actualization involves the tendency to engage in a mode of cognitive processing that creates new experience. Using protocols of 61 undergraduates describing their experiencing of emotions, it was found that differentiation and integration of meaning were related to the degree that vocal style indicated the creation of new experience. Also as predicted, both meaning and stylistic perspectives for assessing the creation of new experience were related to a separate measure of self-actualization (the Personal Orientation Inventory). Discussion includes possible implications for conceiving of client participation in psychotherapy in terms of the differentiation and integration of meaning and for understanding self-actualization in terms of differences in cognitive functioning. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of member and leader expectations on group outcome.

Effects of members' and leaders' expectations on group members' self-actualization and self-esteem gain were studied. The changes in self-actualization and self-esteem between experimental groups and a no-treatment comparison group also were assessed. Ss for experimental groups were 42 university students enrolled in an introductory group counseling course. All students participated twice weekly as members of a growth group (3 hrs/wk) for 25 sessions. 31 students from a different class served as a no-treatment group. Leaders for the experimental groups were 6 advanced graduate students in counseling psychology. Members and leaders were assigned randomly to groups on the basis of an expectation scale, with three types of member groups (high, moderate, low) being facilitated by high- and low-expectation leaders. Varying the level of group expectations did not significantly affect self-actualization gain but did affect self-esteem change. Significant differences were found also between the experimental and control groups on the dependent variables. Results are discussed, and future research on group leaders' expectations are recommended. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Differences between persons seeking encounter group experiences and others on the Personal Orientation Inventory.

Administered the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) to 39 male and 40 female undergraduates who participated in encounter groups and 40 male and 44 female undergraduates who declined to participate. Differences discovered were attributable primarily to the more self-actualized nature of the females who sought encounter group experiences. The Sex * Participatory Status interaction was significant for the 2 major POI scales, Time Competent and Inner Directed. Participating females had higher scores on 9 of the 10 minor POI scales, while participating males were lower than each of the other groups on 7 of the scales. It is suggested that females may be more likely to seek novel experiences in a variety of ways and that males may be seeking encounter group experiences because of a deficiency motivation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of member and leader expectations on group outcome.

Studied the effects of members' and leaders' expectations on group members' self-actualization and self-esteem gain. Changes in self-actualization and self-esteem between experimental groups and a no-treatment comparison group also were assessed. 42 undergraduates participated twice weekly as members of a growth group for 25 sessions, and 31 undergraduates served as a no-treatment group. Leaders were 6 graduate students in counseling psychology. A 3?×?2 factorial design with a single control group was utilized. Members and leaders were assigned randomly to groups on the basis of an expectation scale, with 3 types of member groups (high, moderate, low) being facilitated by high- and low-expectation leaders. Varying the level of group expectations did not significantly affect self-actualization gain but did affect self-esteem change. Significant differences were found also between the experimental and control groups on the dependent variables. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relation of racial identity attitudes to self-actualization and affective states of Black students.

The relation between racial identity attitudes derived from W. E. Cross's (1971) model of psychological nigrescence, or Black self-actualization, and various affective states hypothesized to be relevant to the racial identification process, were investigated through multiple regression analysis. Cross proposed a model of how a person converts from Negro to Black, a process consisting of 5 distinct psychological stages characterized by different racial identity attitudes. Ss were 166 Black university students, who completed the Personal Orientation Inventory, a racial attitude scale, the SCL-90, and a personal-data information sheet. Both pro-White–anti-Black (preencounter) and pro-Black–anti-White (immersion) attitudes were associated with greater personal distress, as indicated by negative relations between these attitudes and mentally healthy self-actualizing tendencies and by positive relations to feelings of inferiority, anxiety, and hostility. Awakening Black identity (encounter attitudes) was positively related to self-actualization tendencies and negatively related to feelings of inferiority and anxiety. The possibility that cognitive and affective components of racial identity attitudes may evolve via different models is explored. Recommendations for delivery of psychological services to Black populations are discussed. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological changes associated with guided imagery: A controlled study.

20 undergraduates were given 8 sessions of guided imagery (GI). Pre- and postdata indicate that relative to a control group, Ss who experienced GI became significantly more inner directed, as measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI) and that they became significantly more field independent, as measured by the Embedded Figures Test. Increased sensitivity and awareness of imagery, fantasy, and emotions during the GI sessions were reported by participants. Follow-up data (4 mo) indicate that relative to the control group, Ss who experienced GI significantly changed in a positive direction on the following POI scales: Inner Direction, Self-Regard, Self-Acceptance, Acceptance of Aggression, and Nature of Man. Results suggest that GI may be a method that facilitates perceptual and attitudinal change. (41 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)