The Status of Self-Actualization and Self-Esteem in Mental Health from the Perspective of the Holy Qur'an and Humanistic Psychology

Self-actualization and self-esteem are among the most influential factors in mental health and are considered key concepts in both the Qur'an and the school of humanistic psychology. They play a fundamental role in personality development and life satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the status of self-actualization and self-esteem in mental health from the perspective of the Qur'an and humanistic psychology by using a descriptive-analytical method and library-based tools, including note-taking. The findings indicate that in the Qur'an, self-actualization is understood as attaining the station of divine vicegerency (Khilāfat Allāh) and proximity to God, while self-esteem liberates the individual from attachment to worldly appearances and connects them to divine values. In contrast, humanistic psychology defines self-actualization as the realization of individual potential and self-esteem as a fundamental need in the process of achieving it. Although both frameworks emphasize the importance of self-esteem in psychological growth, their fundamental difference lies in the ultimate goal of self-actualization. The Qur'an, based on a theocentric worldview, considers this goal to be divine proximity and the realization of spiritual values, whereas humanism, with its anthropocentric worldview, emphasizes personal satisfaction and creativity.