What motivates human behavior? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is one of the distinguished theories of motivation. Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who was recognized for creating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. According to Abraham Maslow, our actions are motivated in order to achieve specific needs. Let us learn the Maslow’s Model in detail.
Maslow’s Model of the Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow first introduced his concept of a hierarchy of needs in his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” in the year 1943. This hierarchy proposes that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other, more advanced needs.
While few of the prevailing schools of thought at the time were more likely concentrated on problematic behaviors. Maslow was more interested in learning about what makes people happy and cheerful and the things that they do to achieve that aim.
Maslow believed that people have an innate desire to be self-actualized, that is, to be all they can be. In order to achieve these ultimate goals, however, various basic needs must be met such as the need for food, safety, love, and self-esteem.
There are 5 different levels in Maslow’s model of the hierarchy of needs. Let’s deep dive at Maslow’s needs starting at the lowest level, which is known as physiological needs.
From Basic to More Complex Needs
Maslow’s model of the hierarchy of needs is always displayed as a pyramid. The lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the very basic needs, while the most complex needs are at the top of the pyramid.
Needs at the bottom of the pyramid are basic physical requirements including the need for food, water, sleep, & warmth. Once these lower-level needs are fulfilled, people can move on to the next level of needs, which are for security & safety.
As people advance towards the apex of the pyramid, needs become more and more psychological and social. Soon, want for love, friendship, & intimacy become important. Moving further upwards in the pyramid, the need for personal esteem and feelings of accomplishment take priority.
Further analysis related to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
| Keywords / Codes | Category (Layers in Maslow’s Theory) |
| Success ( academic and/or career) | Safety and Esteem |
| Love | Love/Belonging |
| Family | Love/Belonging |
| All dreams come true | Esteem |
| Health | Safety |
| Travel the world | Esteem |
Deficiency Needs vs. Growth Needs
Maslow believed that these needs are similar to instincts and play an important role in motivating behavior. Physiological, security, social, & esteem needs are deficiency needs, which arise due to deprivation. Fulfilling these lower-level needs is important in order to avoid unpleasant feelings or consequences.
Maslow termed the highest level of the pyramid as growth needs. These needs do not stem from a lack of something, but rather from a desire to grow as a person.
While the theory in most cases is showcased as a rigid hierarchy, Maslow observed that the order in which these needs are fulfilled does not always follow this standard progression.
For example, he observed that for a few individuals, the need for self-esteem is more significant than the need for love. For others, the need for creative fulfillment may override even the most basic needs.
Solved Question on Maslow’s Model
Ques 1. According to Maslow, self-actualized individuals are more accurate in perceiving:
- Spiritual realms
- Reality
- Dreams
- Future realities
Ans. The correct answer is option ‘B’.
Ques 2. The need for recognition from others is what level on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs model?
- Self-actualization needs
- Esteem needs
- Belonging and love needs
- Safety needs
Ans. The correct answer is option ‘B’.
Motivation is required in every case of life. Without motivation, we can not do any work properly. Education, career, business, goals are the need of motivation in each case. As a result, we can move on to success.
I got the answers to all my questions after reading your content. Thanks a lot for sharing this content.