L.J.: looks like he's "being all that he can be."
One of the most well known psychological theories in the United States is what has been coined as Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This theory basically states that some needs take precedence over others. For example, if you are hungry or thirsty you will take care of the thirst first. When a layer becomes satisfied, the next layer up becomes a motivator, but not until the previous layer is fulfilled to a reasonable extent.
Five broad layers of needs were defined:
1. Physiological needs which include the basic needs for survival. This need includes items such as water, food, salt and other vitamins and minerals necessary to stay alive. Interestingly Maslow includes sex as a layer 1 need.
2. Safety and security.
3. Love and belonging.
4. The esteem needs.
4. The esteem needs.
5. Self Actualization.
The assumption being that once any of the first 4 level needs are met, they are no longer a motivator, or need. The next higher level need takes over. This fifth layer, unlike the first four level needs, does not involve this kind of a balance (homeostasis). This layer of needs becomes stronger the more it is fed. There is a continuous desire to fulfill potentials, to self-actualize, to be all that we are capable of being.
Here's to Feeling Outstanding!
Tom Thorne
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3 comments:
in school we were only taught one--the first which are the basic needs for survival. the 4 other layers of needs were never discussed, but i always knew they were just as necessary as well. thanks for the info!
as far as your daughter's scholarship, have you approached UNC's board members? if you have letters of recommendation for scholarships, that would help a lot i believe.
Hi Tom,
Got to agree with Nicole here, in school I was only taught level one - nothing more. Looking forward to your next post.
Thanks,
Scott
I have been taught the opposite of Maslow's theory, though I am familiar with it. What seems to work for me is to go straight to level five and all the other levels work themselves out. There is a large society that teaches that our probelms are due to these lower level instincts being out of whack.
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