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Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

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Summary: Maslows Hierarchy of Needs (often represented as a

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pyramid with ve levels of needs) is a motivational theory in

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psychology that argues that while people aim to meet basic needs,

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they seek to meet successively higher needs in the form of a

pyramid.

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Originator: Abraham Maslow in 1943.

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Key terms: de ciency needs, growth needs, physiological, safety,

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belongingness, esteem, self-actualization

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Abraham H. Maslow felt as though conditioning theories did not

adequately acapture the complexity of human behavior. In a 1943
paper called A Theory of Human Motivation, Maslow presented the
idea that human actions are directed toward goal attainment. Any

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given behavior could satisfy several functions at the same time; for
instance, going to a bar could satisfy ones needs for self-esteem and
for social interaction.
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs has often been represented in a
hierarchial pyramid with ve levels. The four levels (lower-order
needs) are considered physiological needs, while the top level of the
pyramid is considered growth needs. The lower level needs must be
satis ed before higher-order needs can in uence behavior. The levels
are as follows (see pyramid in Figure 1 below).
Self-actualization includes morality, creativity, problem
solving, etc.
Esteem includes con dence, self-esteem, achievement,
respect, etc.
Belongingness includes love, friendship, intimacy, family,

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etc.
Safety includes security of environment, employment,

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Physiological includes air, food, water, sex, sleep, other

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Figure 1. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid.

Deprivation Needs

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The rst four levels are considered de ciency or deprivation needs

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(D-needs) in that their lack of satisfaction causes a de ciency that

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motivates people to meet these needs. Physiological needs, the lowest

guides and ideas.

level on the hierarchy, include necessities such as air, food, and

water. These tend to be satis ed for most people, but they become
predominant when unmet. During emergencies, safety needs such as

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health and security rise to the forefront. Once these two levels are
met, belongingness needs, such as obtaining love and intimate
relationships or close friendships, become important. The next level,
esteem needs, include the need for recognition from others,
con dence, achievement, and self-esteem.
Growth Needs

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The highest level is self-actualization, or the self-ful llment. Behavior

in this case is not driven or motivated by de ciencies but rather ones
desire for personal growth and the need to become all the things that
a person is capable of becoming (Maslow, 1970).
Criticisms
While a useful guide for generally understanding why students
behave the way that they do and in determining how learning may be
a ected by physiological or safety de ciencies, Maslows Hierarchy
of Needs has its share of criticisms. Some critics have noted
vagueness in what is considered a de ciency; what is a de ciency
for one is not necessarily a de ciency for another. Secondly, there
seem to be various exceptions that frequently occur. For example,
some people often risk their own safety to rescue others from
danger.
For more information about Maslows Hierarchy of Needs, see:
Maslows book: Hierarchy of Needs: A Theory of Human
Motivation. Maslows classic publication perhaps essential

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reading for psychology students, educators and professionals.

Maslows book: Toward a Psychology of Being. Human

ourishing a useful book that helps you
understand reaching self-actualization (sometimes called
ow or positive psychology. One of Maslows best.

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Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. (2016, March 04). Retrieved from:
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