Psychosocial Needs, Growth & Integration

     "Historically, many psychological theorists have assumed that the psyche contains its own natural or inherent principles that promote growth, integration, and the resolution of psychological inconsistencies and conflicts.

     These principles have been described by many constructs, including the synthetic function of the ego; individuation; the actualizing tendency; organization; and the orthogenetic principle.

     Although theories containing such constructs differ greatly in details and tenor, they share the assumption that innate tendencies toward assimilation and integration play a critical role in social development. 

     ... integrative processes are highly dependent upon contextual supports for basic psychological needs. Insofar as the nutriments relevant to psychological needs vary across contexts or domains, so too will the relative strength of integrative propensities, and one's experience of integrity and autonomy in functioning. Contexts where psychological needs are neglected or frustrated promote fragmentation and alienation, rather than integration and congruence.

     Within the framework of self-determination theory there are three essential needs for psychological growth and well-being — the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Support for autonomy, for effectance, and for feelings of connection with others is argued to be the prerequisite for optimum functioning of these organismic integrative processes."

       Ryan RM. Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative processes. J Pers 1995; 63(3): 397-427.

 

Roberto Peradotto   www.dpreview.com