Theory of Positive Disintegration (Levels 4 and 5)

This week we continued with Dabrowki’s Theory of Positive Disintegration and compared levels four and five to self-actualization in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. We compared and contrasted the theories while summarizing our insights in our own words. This requires significant abstract thought and higher-level thinking. As always, these students did a great job. 

Level 4 (Dabrowski’s theory):

• People at level four live free of social convention in a way closely matching their ideal self.

• If they worked hard to articulate their ideal self in level three, they have a well-thought-out approach to living along with a guide for ideal behavior in level four.  

• In essence, their ideal life is aligned with the way they actually experience their day.  They show compassion for others and self-acceptance for themselves in the space where they used to compare themselves to others (or their inner ideal).  Focus turns outside of themselves again, but not in terms of conflict or judging like at level one.

Level 5 (Dabrowski’s theory):

• The cut off between level four and level five behavior seems to be a conundrum for many researchers.

• Researchers often start by mentioning standout individuals in history: Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Peace Pilgrim, and millions invisible on purpose because it allows them to perform their best work.

While a person at level one lacks internal conflict because they lack self-reflection and self-awareness on how they impact people, the person at level five lacks internal conflict because they are leading a life that matches with their highest personality ideal. 

Characteristics of Self-actualization in Maslow's theory (achieving a "personality ideal" and one's greatest potential):

• Self-aware

• Driven by personal growth

• Don’t mind what others think

• Interested in maximizing potential

• Interested in helping others

Go Deeper:

- Book: Living With Intensity by Susan Daniels and Michael Piechowski

- Video: Click to play YouTube video

- Why do you think many people who are successful on the outside (money/fame/status) sometimes continue to struggle with themselves and aren't happy?

- Is self-actualization (achieving one's highest personality ideal) a complicated idea? Do you think it's possible for everyone? Do you like Dabrowski or Maslow's theory more?

- Define "self-actualization" for yourself. What do the five components listed look like for you (self-aware, personal growth, ect.)? How would you describe them in your own words? How do you think you are doing approaching each area of self-actualization?

- Who are the five core people in your life you process your projects through (in other words, you care what they think). Do you think these people deserve this highly valuable place in your head? Why or why not? Do you think they assist your path to “self-actualization?”

- What does self-actualization have to do with being creative and confident? Can you think of any self-actualized individuals? Why do they serve as good role models?

- Maslow equated the full realization of one’s potential with the struggle for perfection of one’s talents and capabilities. When does perfectionism "help" you reach self-actualization? When does it prevent it?