The Hierarchy Of Needs Malsow

[saffy]

On another thread this area of psychology was mentioned and I thought it would be a good discussion point on its own merit.

Her is a very good website to explain further for those who are unfamiliar of his work.

http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/conation/maslow.html

Even though it can be critiqued to highlight that you do not have to reach each level to self actualise it does give you good insight to what our needs are to function as a person.

When you compare this hierarchy with every animal on the planet we the same lower needs, our own evolution has made us need more. Which brings me to a fantastic book to read called The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris. Written by a zoologists point of view of our behaviour, we are all still animals after all. ;)

Discussion on Maslow, anyone?

Best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[who am i kim]

Could not make head or tail of what you are saying here. Just thought I would let you know. Did not go to the web address either. Probably to heavy for me to read.

 

[mamachick]

I thought you do need to master the level before moving to the next level. This is why a child who is not having his physiological needs met will not be able to move to safety needs. (if child is not being fed when hungry-they will not fee safe). If a childs safety needs have not been met, they will not be able to develop a sense of belonging. I am referring to Maslows original, where he states that most people do not master self actualization.

Its a real interesting topic saffy, and worth some consideration. I dont recall (off hand) what he said about regression of the stages, but I could put my 2 cents in as it has applied to my life.

Think of the many of people who have mastered many levels, then something happens to put them at the lower level of needs. For example, with our economy and people loosing their homes and jobs. Not much security if you are homeless and lacking income. Those who are closer to self actualization my be more resilient, belongingness and esteem would be harshly effected for the majority of us who are not partially or in process of self actualization. (Maslow said most do not self actualize).

IMHO-makes it very understandable why it is so difficult to get back up once you have fallen-depending on ones resliency.

Good topic-I have thought about this as it applies to trauma. When traumatized and feeling unsafe, it becomes much more difficult to continue to belong. I know I have felt like I dont belong here, I dont belong anywhere. When you feel that way for a while, eventually your esteem is grossly effected.

Thanks for topic.

 

[saffy]

I thought you do need to master the level before moving to the next level.

It helps, but others who critique his work rightly points out that some famous painters were poverish but still reached self actualization. So there are always exceptions. But on principle the heirachy does make total sense and if we reached each level then there would be a less likely outcome of mental instability. That is how I see it anyway.

I think as well that if we were neglected of these needs as very young children, where we relied on these from our carers, then the knock on effect for the higher level of needs will be harder to meet.

IMHO-makes it very understandable why it is so difficult to get back up once you have fallen-depending on ones resliency.

I agree on this. Resilience is a good word to use.

If we were able to start right from the beginning again though. Like you have just been born, some of these needs can now be met by yourself. You can work on getting the other things met too.

With PTSD however, some of the needs are going to be harder to meet.

I think though that by talking about this it highlights what we have been lacking :)

Sorry about the link if it does not work. There are lots of other articles on Google about him though. :)

best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[Maggiemay]

I'm a teacher and studied him a lot - I very much agree with his train of thought and seen how children who do not have their basic needs met can't learn.

Xx

 

[saffy]

Hi Maggiemay

Would you agree that it affects both the emotional and the academic ability to grow?

I have campaigned for a long time here UK, that the whole education system should be reformed to now concentrate on life skills like assertiveness, self esteem/confidence building, anxiety control, the art of conversation and debate and everyday living problems, like money, politics and the law; once they have reached a certain age.

Before the age of secondary school, subjects should be learnt on a more knowledge basis, ie geography, history and art. But for the following years it is imperative in today's' environment, with so many different cultures and attitudes now, that life skills are now taught in school, because it is also evident that these skills have been lost and not taught at home.

Children coming out of schools now are just not prepared for daily life as a citizen and I feel that a lot of pupils in state schools loose interest in schooling if they have no interest is knowledge subjects, as they feel they will be of no benefit to them when they leave.

I believe that what they should be taught at home they are not which makes it impossible for them to grow and mature.

Maybe the 60s had a bigger effect than we realised ;)

anyway this is way of track. ooops. sorry.


best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[Marie10]

I remember Maslow, I discovered his work in college in my Sociology Class. I do believe in his work and I'm glad you reminded me. What I found however is that there are times I have to skip a step. When I've had a lack of support for instance, I eventually find myself skipping around so to speak. Everyone can interpret it differently and there are many other Sociologists as well. Thank You.

 

[NarcSis]

I used to feel I was close to self actualized before PTSD because I was highly self aware, now, after PTSD, I see so much more, feel so much more and understand things I didn't used to.

I see things that upset me now, things I wasn't aware of before, like how horrible people I surround myself with actually treated me. I see more clearly what and how things need to change in order for me to feel more secure and contented with my life.

Make sense?