Maslow's Hierarchy of needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Definition
A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.
Physiological Needs Examples
Air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, sex, sleep.
Transcendence
- Abraham Maslow explored a further dimension of motivation, while criticizing his original vision of self-actualization. - By these later ideas, one finds the fullest realization in giving oneself to something beyond oneself
love and belongingness
- After physiological and safety needs have been fulfilled, the third level of human needs is social and involves feelings of belongingness.
Self - Auctualization Needs
- Are the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy, and refer to the realization of a person's potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences. - Maslow (1943) describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be.
Grouping the Hierarchy of Needs
- D-needs, like physiological, safety, belonging and love, and esteem, exist due to deprivation, which motivates people to meet those needs. The longer someone goes without that need being met, the stronger that desire is. - B-needs (self-actualization) result from the desire to grow as a person — rather than resulting from the lack of something, it is the desire to gain something intangible for the self.
Deficiency vs. Growth Needs
- Deficiency needs arise due to deprivation and are said to motivate people when they are unmet. - Growth needs do not stem from a lack of something, but rather from a desire to grow as a person. Once these growth needs have been reasonably satisfied, one may be able to reach the highest level called self-actualization.
Love and Belongingness Example
- Examples include friendship, intimacy, trust, and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love. Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work).
Behavior Leading to Self- Actualization
- Experiencing life like a child, with full absorption and concentration - Trying new things instead of sticking to safe paths - Listening to your own feelings in evaluating experiences instead of the voice of tradition, authority or the majority - Being prepared to be unpopular if your views do not coincide with those of the majority - Taking responsibility and working hard
Different Ways to apply esteem needs in school.
- Focus on Strengths and assets - Pace instruction to fit individual needs - Teach to multiple Models of learning
Crticism's of Maslow #1
- Needs do not follow hierarchy: While some research showed some support for Maslow's theories, most research has not been able to substantiate the idea of a needs hierarchy. - Wahba and Bridwell reported that there was little evidence for Maslow's ranking of these needs and even less evidence that these needs are in a hierarchical order.
Safety Needs
- Once an individual's physiological needs are satisfied, the needs for security and safety become salient.
Different Ways to apply Physiological needs in school.
- Reduced & Free Lunch - Correct Room Temp - Bathroom Breaks - Drink Breaks
Why was Maslow's Hierarchy Influential ?
- Regardless of these criticisms, Maslow's hierarchy of needs represents part of an important shift in psychology. - Rather than focusing on abnormal behavior and development, Maslow's humanistic psychology was focused on the development of healthy individuals.
Characteristics of Self - Actualizers
- Spontaneous in thought and action - Unusual sense of humor - Able to look at life objectively - Highly creative - Accept themselves and others for what they are
Criticism's of Maslow #2
- The theory is difficult to test: Other criticisms of Maslow's theory note that his definition of self-actualization is difficult to test scientifically. - His research on self-actualization was also based on a very limited sample of individuals, including people he knew as well as biographies of famous individuals that Maslow believed to be self-actualized.
Physiological Needs
- These are biological requirements for human survival. - Maslow considered physiological needs the most important as all the other needs become secondary until these needs are met.
Safety Needs Example
- These needs can be fulfilled by the family and society (e.g. police, schools, business and medical care).
Esteem Needs Examples
- These needs include self-esteem, respect, achievement, confidence, recognition, and accomplishment.
Different Ways to apply safety needs in school.
- Well Planned lessons - Controlled Classroom Behaviors - Consistent Expectations - Attitude of Teacher
Examples of Transcendence
- altruism or spirituality
Who was Abraham Maslow ?
- born in 1908 to Jewish immigrant parents from Kiev, was an American psychologist who was raised and educated in Brooklyn, New York. - After high school, Maslow attended the City College of New York and Cornell University before graduating from City College.
Different Ways to apply Self Actualization needs in school.
- expect students to do their best - give students freedom to explore & discover on their own - plan lessons involving metacognitive activities - get students involved in self-expressive projects
Different Ways to apply love & belonging needs in school.
- one on one instruction - be supportive - listen to students - be available to students in need - Show that you values students thoughts & opinions
Esteem Needs
The fourth level in Maslow's hierarchy - which Maslow classified into two categories: esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and the desire for reputation or respect from others (status, prestige.)