Abraham Maslow

Hierarchy of Needs

Hierarchy of Needs Instinctoid: hereditary component Activate and direct human behavior We are not driven by all needs at the same time

Characteristics of Needs Lower (deficiency) vs. higher (being) needs Strength Time they appear in life External circumstances

Physiological Needs Bottom of hierarchy Basic survival needs: food, water, sex

Safety Needs Second from bottom of hierarchy Structure, order, stability, predictability More important to children than normal adults

Belongingness and Love Needs Middle of hierarchy Intimate and social relationships

Esteem Needs Fourth from bottom of hierarchy 2 forms of esteem needs: From ourselves: feelings of self-worth From others: status, recognition, social success

Self-Actualization Need Pinnacle of hierarchy Maximum realization of potentials, talents, abilities Fullest personality development Even if satisfy all other needs, person will feel restless and discontent if not self-actualizing

Conditions for Self-Actualization Free of constraints Not distracted by lower needs Secure self-image and relationships Realistic knowledge of strengths and weaknesses

Characteristics of Self-Actualizers Efficient perception of reality Acceptance of selves, others, nature Spontaneity, simplicity, naturalness Focus on problems outside of themselves Social interest Creativeness

Characteristics of Self-Actualizers Peak experiences: religious, mystical experiences Profound interpersonal relationships Resistance to enculturation Extremely rare- seen in less than 1% of the population

Research in Malsow’s Theory Negative correlation between high self-actualizing scores and alcoholism, mental disorders, neuroticism Meeting esteem needs: greater feelings of self-worth, self-confidence, competence (similar to Badura’s self-efficacy)

Criticisms of Maslow’s Theory Weak research methodology Small sample size Lack of empirical methods Vague terms (peak experiences)

Contributions of Maslow Further development of humanism in psychology Applicable to variety of disciplines (teaching, religion, business) Very optimistic- may be more appealing to some than behavioral or psychoanalytic approaches