When is an individual's personality considered healthy in humanistic theory?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In humanistic theory, an individual's personality is considered healthy when there is a strong alignment between the actual self, the ideal self, and the self-concept. This alignment indicates that a person is able to accept their true self while aspiring to fulfill their potential, leading to self-actualization. The actual self represents who a person truly is, the ideal self embodies who they aspire to be, and the self-concept is the overall perception one has of oneself.

When these three components are in harmony, it fosters a sense of fulfillment, authenticity, and overall well-being. The humanistic approach, pioneered by theorists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes personal growth and the inherent goodness of individuals, suggesting that the pursuit of self-fulfillment and the realization of personal values are crucial for a healthy personality. Therefore, the correlation among the actual self, ideal self, and self-concept is key to achieving a balanced and healthy personality according to humanistic principles.