Factors Related to Self-Actualization

Summary This study of 58 male and female graduate-level counseling students found, as expected, females tending to score as more self-actualizing (i. e., to score higher) than males on the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI). Also, as anticipated, the students' self-actualization scores were inversely correlated with the degree of undesirability they subjectively associated with their height and weight. Contrary to prediction, however, greater androgyny—measured with the Bem Sex-Role Inventory—was related to lower POI self-actualization scores. Some of the social implications of these findings are indicated.