Understanding Cognition: A Pathway to Self-Actualization

The Three Dimensions of Cognition

Cognition is a complex process that can be understood in three main dimensions:

1. Learning and Knowledge Acquisition: This involves how we learn and process information to gain knowledge. It is the essence of "knowing something."

2. Memory Storage: This refers to how we store knowledge and information in our memory.

3. Knowledge Retrieval: This is the process of remembering, applying, and sharing knowledge in our daily lives.

   
   

Cognition also encompasses how knowledge is organized and stored in the mind through cognitive structures, known as schemata.

The Role of Psychology in Cognition

Cognition is deeply intertwined with psychology, a field dedicated to understanding behavior. Psychology examines the systematic determinants of behavior, influenced by both social contexts and biological factors. This dual nature makes psychology both a social and biological science.

Educational psychology, in particular, focuses on how cognition is shaped within various environments, such as home, school, and religious institutions. This field studies cognitive approaches that help learners reach their full potential and achieve self-actualization.

Cognitive Development Models

In educational psychology, two significant models are often discussed: the Cognitive Development Model and the Information-Processing Model. These models provide insights into how learners can maximize their cognitive abilities.

Dr. Raymond T. Brock, in his book Introduction to Psychology: A Christian Perspective, emphasizes that psychology, as a behavioral science, seeks to understand why people feel and act as they do. Emotions, which stir up responses, are crucial in this context. Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, is influenced by both conscious and unconscious needs.

Human beings are stirred up by emotions, which motivate them to act. The ultimate goal is to become the best they can be, utilizing their unique gifts and talents.

Cognitive Development begins from birth; and is especially constructed during early childhood.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Psychologist Abraham Maslow, in his works Toward a Psychology of Being and Motivation and Personality, presents a humanistic approach to motivation. He proposes a hierarchy of human needs that leads to self-actualization—the realization of one's potential.

Understanding Maslow's Levels of Needs

Brock outlines Maslow's levels of need as follows:

1. D Motives: The first four levels are termed D motives, standing for "Deficiency" needs. These must be met in order before one can pursue higher needs.

2. B Motives: The top level, known as a B motive, stands for "Being" needs.

   
   

The D motives include:

• Physical needs

• Safety needs

• Love and belongingness

• Self-esteem needs

  
  

Maslow's theory suggests that while each level of need should ideally be fulfilled in order, it is not necessary for all needs at a given level to be completely satisfied before moving to the next level.

Developmental Stages

Though there are no strict age limits for each developmental level, we can infer the following:

1. Physical needs: From infancy to early childhood (Birth - 6 years).

2. Safety needs: From infancy to later childhood (Birth - 11 years).

3. Love and belongingness: From adolescence to provisional adulthood (12-30 years).

4. Self-esteem needs: From adolescence to provisional adulthood (12-30 years).

5. Self-actualization: From young adulthood to middle adulthood (30-65 years).

   
   

Brock identifies several characteristics of self-actualizers:

1. They are realistic and independent.

2. They focus on problem-solving rather than self-centered issues.

3. They value privacy for creative thinking.

4. They appreciate people and things without prejudice.

5. They resist societal conformity unless it aligns with their moral values.

   
   

Self-actualization is a potential for every adult, regardless of race or culture. However, Maslow noted that less than a third of the world's population achieves this point of wholeness by midlife (ages 45-65).

Developmental Levels in Maslow's Actualization Theory

Global Challenges to Self-Actualization

The fact that less than a third of the world's population reaches self-actualization by midlife indicates significant global challenges. According to UNICEF data (2025), adolescents make up about 16% of the global population, translating to approximately 1.3 billion adolescents. Out of these, less than 430 million have a healthy motivation for self-actualization, leaving around 870 million struggling for basic needs.

According to Unicef, there are 17 million children of school age who are refugees in countries hit by conflict.

The Rights of Adolescents

Children up to the age of 18 are protected under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, their unique vulnerabilities often go unaddressed. In regions plagued by hunger, natural disasters, and conflict, fulfilling basic needs becomes a monumental challenge.

When individuals face such adversities, how can they cultivate feelings of belonging and love? The absence of these fundamental needs can lead to low self-esteem and hinder personal growth.

The Importance of Community Support

In every corner of the world, individuals are placed for a strategic purpose. It is essential to stay connected with organizations like Promised Gift Foundation to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Together, we can work towards creating opportunities for growth and self-actualization.

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© 2025 by Patience Osei-Anyamesem. All rights reserved. Published by The Light In Me Enterprise. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews or other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: By profession, Patience Osei-Anyamesem is an Instructional Design & Training Consultant. With over 30 years of experience, she has taught various subjects in different parts of the world, including Ghana, West Africa. She is the author of several educational materials and has a passion for the development and welfare of children and teens.

The artwork depicted in this blog article is carefully selected to illustrate the points made and does not promote any ideologies from the various artists unless aligned with God's perfect will.

References

1. Brock, Raymond T. (2013). Introduction to Psychology: A Christian Perspective. (2nd ed.). Springfield, MO: Global University.

2. Ezaka, Emmanuel S., et al. (2021). “Self-Actualization: Examining the Roles of Personality Types and Gender.” International Journal of Engineering Science Invention (IJESI), Vol. 10(06). Journal DOI- 10.35629/6734: 27-31.

3. The Guardian

4. Meier, P.D., Minirth, F.B., Ratcliff, D.E., and Wichern, F.B. (1992). Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: Christian Perspectives and Applications. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

5. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Data. (2025). Adolescents. Retrieved June 8, 2025 from UNICEF