Abraham Maslow (19081970)

Humanistic-Existential Paradigm
Self-actualization Theory

About Abraham H. Maslow

Abraham Harold Maslow

(April 1,1908 - June 8, 1970)

Had lonely childhood, found refuge

in books

Completed his BA, MA and PhD in

psychology from university of
Wisconsin

Supported positive psychology

Known for his conceptualization of

hierarchy of human needs

Father of humanistic psychology

Influenced by Harry Harlow and

Alfred Adler

What is Motivation?

Motivation
The processes that account for an
individuals intensity, direction, and
persistence of effort toward attaining a goal.
Key
KeyElements
Elements
1.
1. Intensity:
Intensity:how
howhard
hardaaperson
persontries
tries
2.
2. Direction:
Direction:toward
towardbeneficial
beneficialgoal
goal
3.
3. Persistence:
Persistence:how
howlong
longaaperson
persontries
tries

Maslows Need For Hierarchy

Maslows theory assumes that a person
attempts to satisfy the more basic needs
before directing behavior toward satisfying
upper-level needs.
Lower-order needs must be satisfied
before a higher-order need begins to
control a persons behavior.
A satisfied need ceases to motivate.

Hierarchy of Needs
Pyramid composed of levels of human needs. The base includes basic
needs and top self-actualization, which could be reached after humans
conquered each level of social, intellectual and spiritual needs

Being
Needs

Deficienc
y needs

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

MOST NEEDS HAVE TO DO WITH
SURVIVAL PHYSICALLY AND
PSYCHOLOGICALLY

PHYSIOLOGICAL
NEEDS

Physiological Needs
Physiological needs are those
required to sustain life such as:
Air
Water
Food
Sleep

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

ON THE WHOLE AN INDIVIDUAL
CANNOT SATISFY ANY LEVEL
UNLESS NEEDS BELOW ARE
SATISFIED

SAFETY NEEDS

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS

Safety Needs
Once physiological needs are met, one's
attention turns to safety and security in
order to be free from the threat of
physical and emotional harm. Such needs
might be fulfilled by:
Living in a safe area
Medical insurance
Job security
Financial reserves

Maslows Hierarchy of
Needs

LOVE, AFFECTION, AND

BELONGINGNESS NEEDS

SAFETY NEEDS

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS

Social Needs
Once a person has met the lower level
physiological and safety needs, higher
level needs awaken. The first level of
higher level needs are social needs.
Social needs are those related to
interaction with others and may
include:
Friendship
Belonging to a group
Giving and receiving love

Maslows Hierarchy of
Needs
ESTEEM NEEDS
LOVE, AFFECTION, AND
BELONGINGNESS NEEDS

SAFETY NEEDS

PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS

Esteem Needs
Once a person feels a sense of "belonging", the
need to feel important arises. Esteem needs
may be classified as internal or external.
Internal esteem needs are those related to selfesteem such as self respect and achievement
External esteem needs are those such as social
status and recognition. Some esteem needs are:
Self-respect
Achievement
Attention
Recognition
Reputation

Maslows Hierarchy of
Needs
NEED
FOR
SELFACTUALIZATION

MASLOW EMPHASIZES NEED

FOR SELF
ACTUALIZATION IS
A HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS
PRIME
MOTIVATION

Self-Actualization
Self-actualization is the summit of Maslow's
hierarchy of needs. It is the quest of
reaching one's full potential as a person.
Self-actualized people tend to have
characteristics such as:

Realistic
Problem centered
Spontaneity
Autonomy
Peak Experiences

Later Additions to the

Theory
SELF - ACTUALIZATION
AESTHETIC

COGNITIVE

SELF - ACTUALIZATION

TRANSCENDENCE

Abraham continued his thought on hierarchy and further divided fifth

level of self-actualization into four parts
Level 5 - Cognitive (to know, to understand and to explore)
Level 6 - Aesthetic (the pursuit of symmetry, order and beauty)
Level 7 - Self - actualization (find fulfillment in ones self)
Level 8 - Transcendence (help others find fulfillment)

Application
Level of Need

General Rewards

Organizational Factors

5. Self Actualization

Growth, Achievement,
Advancement, Creativity

Challenging Job,
Opportunities for Creativity,

4. Self Esteem

Self-respect, Status, Prestige

Social Recognition, Job Title,

High Status of Job, Achievement at work
Feedback from the Job itself, promotion

3. Social

Love, Friendship,
Feelings of Belonging

Work Groups / Teams,

Supervision,
Professional Associations

2. Safety

Security, Stability,
Protection

Health & Safety,

Job Security,
Contract of Employment

1. Physiological

Food, Water, Sleep

Pay,
Working Conditions

The Criticisms of the theory

include the following
Wahba and Bridewell reported that
there was very little evidence for
Maslows ranking of these needs.
Difficult to test self actualization
scientifically.
Limited sample space.
The need priority model may not
apply at all times in all places.(Study
by University of Illinois).