Optimal Human Development: Some Implications for Psychology

Abstract

The present paper discusses decision problems relating to developmental goals. It is argued that developmental planning and intervention should be based on scientifically founded programmatic models of human development. Some caveats are added, primarily regarding the problem of relating programmatic models to authentic definitions of human interests. Finally, self-optimization is proposed as a key concept for a programmatic model of development. A tentative characterization of the self-optimizing individual is given with reference to various cognitive and motivational constructs.