Maslow needs theory Flashcards
Lesson1
Who was Abraham Harold Maslow, and what is he best known for in the field of psychology?
Abraham Harold Maslow was an American psychologist best known for creating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a theory of psychological health that emphasizes fulfilling innate human needs in a specific order, culminating in self-actualization. He was born on April 1, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, and died on June 8, 1970, in Menlo Park, California, United States.
What did Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggest about human motivation?
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggested that people have several basic needs that must be met before they can pursue higher-level needs. According to his theory, these needs are arranged in a hierarchy, starting with physiological needs and moving up through safety, social, and emotional needs, culminating in self-actualization.
How is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs structured, and what are the different levels within the hierarchy?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is often represented as a hierarchical pyramid with five levels, divided into lower-order needs and growth needs. The lower-order needs must be satisfied before higher-order needs can influence behavior. The levels are as follows:
Physiological Needs: Includes basic necessities such as air, food, water, and sex.
Safety Needs: Includes security of environment, employment, resources, health, and property.
Belongingness Needs: Includes love, friendship, intimacy, and family.
Esteem Needs: Includes confidence, self-esteem, achievement, and respect.
Self-Actualization Needs: Includes morality, creativity, problem solving, and reaching one’s full potential.
How are the levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs classified, and what constitutes the deficiency or deprivation needs?
The levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs are classified into two main categories: Physiological/Deprivation/Deficiency Needs and Growth Needs.
Deprivation Needs:
These are the first four levels of the hierarchy and are considered deficiency or deprivation needs. Their lack of satisfaction causes a deficiency that motivates people to meet these needs. They include:
Physiological Needs: The lowest level, encompassing basic necessities such as air, food, and water. These needs tend to be satisfied for most people but become predominant when unmet.
Safety Needs: These include health, security, and safety. They become crucial during emergencies.
Belongingness Needs: Once physiological and safety needs are met, the need for love, intimate relationships, and close friendships becomes important.
Esteem Needs: These involve the need for recognition from others, confidence, achievement, and self-esteem.
Physiological Needs cover the most basic physical needs like air, food, and water, as well as safety.
Psychological Needs cover belongingness and esteem needs.
What are growth needs in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and how do they differ from deficiency needs?
Growth Needs in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs refer to the highest level, which is self-actualization. Unlike deficiency needs, which are driven by a lack of something and the motivation to fulfill those deficiencies, growth needs are driven by a desire for personal growth and self-fulfillment. These needs are about achieving one’s full potential and becoming everything one is capable of becoming.
Self-actualization includes a sense of peace, contentment, and the feeling of having already achieved significant personal goals. Behavior at this level is motivated by a desire for personal growth rather than by deficiencies.
How do deficiency needs and growth needs differ in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and what did Maslow note about the order in which these needs are fulfilled?
Deficiency Needs: These include physiological, security, social, and esteem needs. Maslow believed these needs are similar to instincts and play a major role in motivating behavior. They arise due to deprivation, and satisfying these lower-level needs is crucial to avoid unpleasant feelings or consequences. These needs must be met before an individual can focus on growth needs.
Growth Needs: The highest level of the hierarchy, termed self-actualization by Maslow, does not stem from a lack of something but rather from a desire to grow as a person. These needs are about personal development and self-fulfillment.
Maslow noted that while the hierarchy is often portrayed as a rigid progression, the order in which these needs are fulfilled can vary significantly among individuals. For example, some individuals might prioritize the need for self-esteem over the need for love, while others might seek creative fulfillment even before their basic needs are completely satisfied. This flexibility highlights the personalized nature of human motivation and growth.
