A correlational study : the relationship between the cognitive triad and the level of self-actualization among the Lebanese students

Abstract

University students are prone to different stressors. The latter can affect them in different ways: it might cause them to become depressed, to think negatively and not to reach their full potential. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the negative thoughts of the students about themselves, their world and their future and their ability to reach their full potential as university students. This was measured through a correlative descriptive design. The Major Depression Inventory, the Cognitive Triad Inventory and the Personal Orientation Inventory were used to measure the students depression level, negative views and selfactualizers characteristics respectively. Convenience sampling was used. The sample consisted of 100 students at the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Results showed that the more negative the views about the self, world and future were, the less the students showed personality characteristics of self-actualizers; therefore, the less they were experiencing their full potential. The study showed that the more the stressors are related to being competent, noticed and loved by all which are related to Maslows self-actualization theory, the more the students were prone to have negative thoughts about the self, world and the future.