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Maslow's hierarchy-of-needs theory

  

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation" in Psychological Review. There is little scientific basis to the theory:
 Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of needs is a basic psychology concept in understanding the Humanistic approach to personality and behaviors.

So Maslow said that we have needs that need to be fulfilled in order to survive which is actually in a specific order...as we can see above it looks like a pyramid which we read from bottom to top to fulfill or needs.

Explaining the Maslow's Principle

 Basic Needs

Physiological Needs: These are the basic needs which require to be fulfilled first. These are biological requirements for human survival, e.g. air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, sex, sleep. If these needs are not satisfied the human body cannot function optimally.

Safety and security: It requires the security of body, employment, resources, family, health and property.

Psychological Needs

Love and belongingness: after physiological and safety needs have been fulfilled, the third level of human needs is social and involves feelings of belongingness. The need for interpersonal relationships motivates behavior . Examples include friendship, intimacy, trust, and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love. Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work).

Self Esteem: Esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and  the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g status, prestige).

Self Fulfillment Needs

 Are the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy, and refer to the realization of a person's potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.

Limitation

The major problem with Maslow's hierarchy-of-needs theory is that it cannot be verified empirically, because there is no proper method to measure accurately how satisfied one level of need must be before the next higher need becomes operative.

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