Humanistic Approach - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Question 1

Key assumptions of humanistic approach

Answer 1

• Psychology should study the whole person (e.g. be holistic) given that everyone is unique.
• People have free will to make their own decisions in life.
• The scientific method is too objective because the methods employed fail to acknowledge the subjective experience of the individual.

Question 2

Order of Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 2

Self Actualization
Esteem Needs
Belongingness and Love Needs
Safety Needs
Physiological Needs

Question 3

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 3

A person’s most basic physiological needs are represented at the bottom of the pyramid and the most advanced needs are at the top. People are motivated to achieve progression through the levels, each level must be fulfilled before a person can move up to a higher need. Maslow believed that the more basic the need the more powerfully it is experienced and the more difficult it is to ignore.

Question 4

Physiological Needs

Answer 4

Food, water, warmth and rest

Question 5

Safety needs

Answer 5

Security and safety

Question 6

Belongingness and love needs

Answer 6

Intimate relationships and friends

Question 7

Esteem needs

Answer 7

Prestige and feeling of accomplishment

Question 8

Self Actualisation

Answer 8

Self-actualisation concerns psychological growth, fulfilment and satisfaction in life and is the final stage in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Self –actualisation occurs when a person reaches their full potential and is the best version of themselves.

Maslow found that most of those who attained self-actualisation shared certain characteristics. They tended to be creative, accepting of other people and had an accurate perception of the world around them. Maslow believed that such individuals experienced self-actualisation in the form of peak experiences. These are moments of extreme inspiration and ecstasy during which they felt able to leave behind all doubts, fears and inhibitions.