Abraham Maslow is one of the greatest representatives of humanistic psychology. Maslow’s theory of needs provides an analysis of the factors that influence the development, motivation and personal fulfillment of a human being. It consists of a pyramid that prioritizes human needs. His theory acquires very visual information when it is structured in the image of a pyramid that contains five different sections that we describe in this article in Psychology-Online. These are the five main points of the Maslow’s Theory of Needs.
1. Physiological needs
Right at the base of this Maslow pyramid are those aspects of primary need in relation to the life and well-being of a human being. From this satisfaction of physiological needs, the human being can advance in the direction of self-realization, achieving other purposes that are found at the different levels of this image. This group of basic needs includes, for example, food, rest or shelter. These basic needs connect with the desire for immediacy. For example, the desire to drink water when feeling thirsty. Or, also, the desire to rest after a day of intense work. The person’s motivation is directed toward this immediate goal in this specific context.
2. Security needs
In the next section of this pyramid are those needs that are aligned with this objective. The second step corresponds to the need for protection, security and stability. Through this positioning in the face of reality, once the basic needs are covered, the human being seeks the roots of a security from which to make decisions that transcend the immediate moment and connect with a life project based on the short or long. term.
For example, searching for a economic security through a job that provides monthly income. Home It is also a manifestation of that desire for security through the well-being of one’s own space. In relation to this point, this is one of the reasons why uncertainty and that of a period of long-term unemployment or job instability can cause so much suffering by putting the satisfaction of this very important need at risk.
3. Need for affiliation
On the third step of Maslow’s pyramid of needs is the need for love, affection and belonging to groups. The social dimension of the human being is revealed through the links that people establish with each other by building new stories. Social ties that provide a roots in the group and experiences that add meaning to the present through of love, trust, friendship, affection and company facing loneliness.
Through this encounter with others, the person transcends his or her own individual reality by establishing social connections with others. These bonds with others are an important source of happiness. Furthermore, a human being also knows himself through the time he shares with others. From this need lies.
4. Recognition needs
In the next section of Maslow’s pyramid, which describes one of the best-known motivation theories, there are those needs that are linked to the self-esteem of a human being. The social needs described in the previous section connect with this new purpose that leads to the value of the environment.
This recognition can not only express the unconditional admiration that a person feels towards someone on a professional level, but also the vision that a human being has of himself and the valuation, that is, . Social ties are important and valuable, but so is the bond that a person maintains with themselves. This reality also reflects the social dimension of the human being, and in turn, his individual being.
5. Self-realization
The top of Maslow’s pyramid leads to that call of self-realization through the search for a happiness that human beings reach when they have met the needs described in the previous points. This step corresponds to the development of potential and personal growth. In this section of self-realization we also find spirituality and personal search.
All sections of this pyramid are important and have their own meaning, within a hierarchy aligned with the human being, since in addition, this view of self-realization has a comprehensive approach to needs. It is not possible to reach this point in the pyramid without having your basic needs covered.
Each human being who reaches this state writes his or her own story of self-realization through decision making, freedom, the search for meaning, the development of a mission, the practice of personal values and the achievement of goals.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Angarita, JR (2007). Maslow’s theory of needs. Obtained from Maslow’s Theory of Needs: http://doctorado. Josequintero Net/documentos/Teoria_Maslow_Jose_Quintero. pdf.