My remediation topic is Maslow's Humanistic theory: Hierarchy of Needs.
Abraham Maslow was a highly respected psychologist in the 1960s whose theory is based on human needs. Maslow believed people are acutely aware of their own motivations and drives in an ongoing pursuit of self-understanding and self-acceptance (McEwen & Ellis). Maslow proposed that human needs can be organized into a hierarchy (McEwen & Ellis). This hierarchy ranges from more concrete needs such as food and water to more abstract concepts such as self-fulfillment (Hopper). According to Maslow, when a lower need is met, the next need on the hierarchy becomes the focus of attention.
Our most basic need is for physical survival is the first thing that motivates our behavior (Mcleod, 2020). The next level of needs is based upon safety. People want to experience order, predictability, and control in their lives (Mcleod, 2020). After safety needs have been met, an individual can then focus on love and belonging. Humans are social creatures that crave interaction with others. When deprived of these needs, individuals may experience loneliness or depression (Mcleod, 2020). According to Maslow, this need in the hierarchy involves feeling loved and accepted. This need includes both romantic relationships as well as ties to friends and family members. It also includes our need to feel that we belong to a social group. Importantly, this need encompasses both feel loved and feeling love towards others (Hopper).
The fourth level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is esteem needs. Self-esteem needs are related to a person’s need to gain recognition, status, and feel respected (2020). The fifth and final level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is self-actualization. Self-actualization relates to the realization of an individual’s full potential and personal growth (2020).