Abraham Maslow Personality Psychology

History Born April 1, 1908 in Brooklyn, New York. Died: June , California Family: He married Bertha Goodman, his first cousin, against his parents' wishes and went on to have two daughters..

History He received his BA in 1930, his MA in 1931, and his PhD in 1934, all in psychology. He worked with Harry Harlow, E.L. Thorndike, Adler, Fromm, Horney, and some Gestalt psychologists. He eventually met Kurt Goldstein (who introduced him to the idea of self-actualization) and began his own theoretical work.

Concepts Deficit needs, or D-needs. If you don’t have enough of something -- i.e. you have a deficit -- you feel the need. But if you get all you need, you feel nothing at all! In other words, they cease to be motivating. Homeostasis. Homeostasis is the principle by which your furnace thermostat operates. In the same way, when you lack something, you develop a desire for it. When you get enough, the desire stops.

Concepts Growth motivation, being needs (or B- needs). These are needs that do not involve balance or homeostasis. Once engaged, they continue to be felt. In fact, they are likely to become stronger as we “feed” them! Self-actualization Becoming the most complete, the fullest, “you”.

Qualities of Self-Actualization Reality-centered Problem-centered Different perception of means and ends Need for privacy Independent of culture and environment. Resist enculturation Democratic values, Social interest Intimate personal relations.

Qualities of Self-Actualization Unhostile sense of humor Acceptance of self Spontaneity and simplicity Freshness of appreciation, Creative Peak experiences

Neurosis If needs are not met at a particular point in life, you may fixate on that need.