<P> Robert W. White wrote the book The Abnormal Personality that became a standard text on abnormal psychology . He also investigated the human need to strive for positive goals like competence and influence, to counterbalance the emphasis of Freud on the pathological elements of personality development . </P> <P> Maslow spent much of his time studying what he called "self - actualizing persons", those who are "fulfilling themselves and doing the best they are capable of doing". Maslow believes all who are interested in growth move towards self - actualizing (growth, happiness, satisfaction) views . Many of these people demonstrate a trend in dimensions of their personalities . Characteristics of self - actualizers according to Maslow include the four key dimensions: </P> <Ol> <Li> Awareness--maintaining constant enjoyment and awe of life . These individuals often experienced a "peak experience". He defined a peak experience as an "intensification of any experience to the degree there is a loss or transcendence of self". A peak experience is one in which an individual perceives an expansion of themselves, and detects a unity and meaningfulness in life . Intense concentration on an activity one is involved in, such as running a marathon, may invoke a peak experience . </Li> <Li> Reality and problem centered--having a tendency to be concerned with "problems" in surroundings . </Li> <Li> Acceptance / Spontaneity--accepting surroundings and what cannot be changed . </Li> <Li> Unhostile sense of humor / democratic--do not take kindly to joking about others, which can be viewed as offensive . They have friends of all backgrounds and religions and hold very close friendships . </Li> </Ol> <Li> Awareness--maintaining constant enjoyment and awe of life . These individuals often experienced a "peak experience". He defined a peak experience as an "intensification of any experience to the degree there is a loss or transcendence of self". A peak experience is one in which an individual perceives an expansion of themselves, and detects a unity and meaningfulness in life . Intense concentration on an activity one is involved in, such as running a marathon, may invoke a peak experience . </Li>

The fact that there are many differing views on personality suggests that