Joe Benoit's Young At Heart

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Self-actualizing tendency is defined in our lecture notes as a basic hierarchy of needs, an innate drive towards personal goals. People often see this as a pyramid of needs. It is the human motive toward realizing our inner potential (Schreier, November 16, 2014). Joe Benoit is a perfect example of the self-actualizing tendency. Joe, while facing cancer multiple times, didn’t let this stop him. Mid blood transfusion Joe claimed he was going to be around awhile longer and that he was going to sing in the show. Joe was finding his inner potential even when he was on his deathbed. He disregarded his doctors orders to enjoy the life he had left. (Walker & George, 2007) Existential approach to personality is the basis that personality is governed …show more content…

While watching Young at Heart, I found that Joe Benoit demonstrates the personality trait openness. Joe is a very independent man. Joe ignored his doctor’s advice and returned to the chorus after multiple bouts of chemotherapy. Conscientious is a personality trait characterized by good organization, carefulness, and self discipline. While many characters in the Young at Heart movie can be described as conscientious, I think that Lenny Fontaine displays the highest level. Lenny is extremely disciplined; he participates in many clubs and is a member of many groups. Not only is he apart of the Young at Heart Choir, he is also a member of the Harmonicats, the church choir, and a biking club. Lenny is very careful as he is in charge of many lives when he drives Elaine and Joe to rehearsal every week (Walker & George, …show more content…

Optimism is a hopefulness for the future. People who are optimistic generally expect the best from situations. Overall, optimists tend to be healthier than pessimists. Optimism can aid in maintenance of psychological health when faced with physical health problems. This claim is evident with Bob Salvini in the Young at Heart film. Bob, having looked death in the eyes multiple times, managed to pull through when the odds were against him. Bobs strong will and optimism for live and his situation helped him live happily for as long as he did, before he unfortunately died in May of 2006. While still in the ICU, Bob stayed positive and was determined to make the show in less than three weeks. Sadly, Bob passed away the night before the show (Walker & George,

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