Maslow’s Theory

Background Information Abraham Harold Maslow was born on April 1, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York. The first of seven children, he was the son of Samuel and Rose Maslow. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia who were poor and uneducated. He was unhappy and lonesome throughout the majority of his childhood. 

Background Information Maslow enrolled at the City College of New York (CCNY) at age 17 In an effort to appease his father, he registered for evening classes at the Brooklyn Law School in 1926.

Background Information On December 31, 1928, Abraham Maslow married Bertha Goodman, his longtime sweetheart and first cousin He was 20 years old while Bertha was 19 The couple had two daughters, Ann and Ellen They remained happily married until his death in 1970

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Physiological Needs The need for food, water, clothing and necessities to support life

Safety Needs The need for safety Bodily Employment Resources Health Family

Love & Belonging Needs The need to be loved and belonged to Romantically Friendships Family

Esteem Needs The need to have high self-esteem Confidence Respect (for and from others) Acheivement

Self-Actualization Highest level on the hierarchy Not easily reached, most people never get to this point Full acceptance of one’s life Creativity Morality Lack of judgement and prejudice