Chapter 36: Self-Actualization, Spirituality, and Transcendence Touhy: Ebersole & Hess' Toward Healthy Aging, 9th Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Which statement best demonstrates an older adult’s success at achieving self-actualization? a. “My father was an alcoholic, but he did love us.” b. “I always feel safe when my son is visiting.” c. “My heart problems are better since I had the surgery.” d. “I’ve been elected president of my service organization again.” ANS: A
Self-actualization is the highest level of human functioning according to Maslow and would be reflected in the ability to see both the good and the bad in others. Biological or physiological integrity, safety and security, and self-esteem are all part of the hierarchy of human needs but they are not the highest level of human functioning. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 503 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 2. Which description would be most characteristic of a self-actualized individual? a. An economically disadvantaged older black man who regularly checks out books
from the local library to read to neighborhood children b. A wealthy white older woman who is constantly searching for a better laxative c. A middle-class white man who was forced into an early retirement and is living in
fear of being evicted from his apartment d. The older wife of a famous celebrity who travels the world but starves herself and
seeks plastic surgery in her quest to fight the physical signs of aging ANS: A
The individual described here is displaying three of the characteristics of a self-actualized individual: altruism, courage, and self-renewal. This individual displays altruism in that he is helping others by reading to the children in the neighborhood and improving their literacy. Despite being economically disadvantaged, he displays courage by conquering despair and giving of himself. He is also displaying self-renewal in that he is connected to the world around him and is giving back to it. The other scenarios listed are all incorrect because the individuals described are all focused on their own personal problems despite having fewer challenges than the economically disadvantaged older black man. DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: pp. 503–504 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 3. What is the role of the nurse in assisting older adults with travel interests? a. Suggesting that they travel with a seniors’ group b. Addressing arrangements to have medical care, if needed, during their travels c. Providing information regarding pet care services for their beloved dog d. Reassuring the client that their concerns about safety are unfounded
