Sex Differences in the Relationship of POI Self-Actualization to Other Adjustment and Maturity Measures

Self-actualization, internality (locus of control), and moral reasoning, though developed in somewhat different arenas,,are all concepts theoretically related to personal adjustment. The relationship of self=actualization to personal adjustment and growth is mort direct and has been supported for several studies of adjustment (e.g., Fox, Knapp, & Michael, 1968; Shostrom, 1966). Likewise, Rotter’s Internality-Externality scale has been employed in several studies that have shown externality related to pathology and distress (e.g., Harrow & Ferrante, 1968) and internality to positive health indicators, inclusing favorable self-description (Hersch & Scheibe, 1967). Although moral maturity has not been empirically related to adjust-ment, the construct, as formulated and assessed by Kohlberg (1963) depicts a process of normal and natural growth toward mature stages that are adaptive and less susceptible to conflict than earlier stages. Kohlberg (1968) ackowledges the theoretical relationship between his ap-proach and various clinical-personality conceptializations, including Maslow’s self-actualiza-tion. Despite the theoretical linkages of self-actualizations, internality and moral development to adjustment and maturity, the only attempt to relate any of the three variables to another