Doctoral Degrees (Psychology)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Psychology) by browse.metadata.advisor "Greeff, Abraham Petrus"

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    Pathways to potential actualisation: a qualitative meta-interpretation of 60 years’ theory, research, and interventions
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Gush, Marianne; Greeff, Abraham Petrus; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Many researchers from various disciplines have, over several decades, studied and theorised on the topic of optimal human functioning, using terms such as self-actualisation, potential development, flourishing and thriving. Sadly, much of the knowledge gained in the past is lost as experts in their respective fields retire or pass away. Similarly, knowledge from one discipline is often hidden to another discipline, thus impeding progress. This dissertation serves as an exploration and analysis of past, present, and future directions in research in optimal human functioning, here referred to as potential actualisation. By means of a qualitative meta- analysis, fifty-one sources, stretching across six decades (1960 – 2020), across at least seven disciplines and six continents were qualitatively analysed and coded according to the broader categories of affect, cognition, behaviour, physiology, and internal personality characteristics. hese codes and categories were later reorganised into the themes of identifiers, means, and benefits of potential actualisation. The aim was to determine possible overlap and the potential usefulness of such information in the creation of an overarching framework for an improved understanding of potential actualisation. This investigation thus led to the development of the Systematic Potential Actualisation (SPA) framework – a framework aimed at a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary understanding of potential actualisation, including both its nature and the systems at play on an individual level, which characterise and / or develop potential actualisation. The possibility of the ignition of an autopoietic (self-sustaining) process of potential actualisation is explored, but does require further investigation. This study emphasises the need to heed the work done by past researchers, to prevent us from reinventing the wheel, or losing valuable insights. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to gain both a detailed and comprehensive understanding of optimal human functioning. Most importantly, however, this study provides a practical and dynamic framework which may serve as a powerful tool for practitioners, from various disciplines, who seek to actualise human potential. Furthermore, it may be viewed as the foundation for future multi-disciplinary research to further understand and actualise potential.