Maslow's Hierarchy and Person-centred Theory
The Theory of Motivation by Abraham Maslow as Used by Carl Rogers
Jan 18, 2009
By studying the lives and views of exemplary people such as Albert Einstein, Jane Addams and Eleanor Roosevelt, Abraham Maslow developed his Theory of Human Motivation which has also become commonly known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Motivation.
He believed, after much study into the subject, that when one researches the mind-sets of the neurotic or mentally ill, the information gained could only inform science about neurosis and negativity. He decided that the way to understand correct human development was by studying those who were well balanced human beings.
The Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s model states that in order to develop into normal healthy people, certain conditions need to exist. These are usually depicted as a pyramid that is divided into 5 strata. The lowest 4 strata (physiological, safety and security, love and belonging and esteem issues) if not met will cause the individual to feel anxious and tense.
Physiological Needs
These are the basic life needs to food, water, air, sex and health without which we would not exist. Maslow says that if a person is deprived at this level, these needs would be the focus of existence.
Safety Needs
Once physiological needs are met then the next in the hierarchy is the need for security of body, employment, family/clan/country and security of property, resources, law and morality.
Love and Belonging
In this category, Maslow includes friendship, family and intimacy. By striving for feelings of belonging and love the negative feelings of loneliness and alienation can be reduced.
Esteem
Maslow suggests that the next in the pyramid of needs is the need for esteem, self esteem and respect amongst peers and the community. In order to flourish, humans need to experience self and other-esteem to validate themselves. Lack of self esteem leads to low self worth and confidence.
Self Actualization
When all of the conditions above are satisfied, the human being can go on to develop to the peak of his or her capability. Through developing latent skills and abilities the person can fulfill his/her destiny. He called this process “Self Actualization”.
Link to Person-centered Psychotherapy & Counseling
Integral to Carl Rogers’ vision is the belief that each person has it within themselves to move from a state of neurosis to a state of wholeness. He suggested that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs supported his view and that it confirmed that – given the right conditions – each person can become fulfilled.
The Hierarchy of Needs Applied to Society
Maslow went on to suggest that society could help people to achieve self actualization by creating the correct living conditions and educational framework. He suggested that society would benefit from learning positive ways of thinking and being. He believed that people should be taught to listen to their inner-feeling voices so that they are as authentic as possible. He also believed that society and individuals should attempt to transcend negative and unhelpful cultural conditioning.
Reference:
Abraham Maslow, A Theory of Human Motivation, paper written in 1943.
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