Humanistic Psychology and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and concepts in Humanistic Psychology.

Hierarchy of Needs

A theory proposed by Abraham Maslow that ranks human needs in a specific order based on their potency, where lower needs must be satisfied before higher needs can be pursued.

Deficiency Needs (D Needs)

The most prepotent needs that are essential for psychological health, including physiological, safety, belongingness, and esteem needs.

Physiological Needs

The basic biological needs required for human survival, including food, water, oxygen, sleep, and sex.

Safety Needs

The need to ensure certainty and predictability in one's environment, which is critical especially during childhood.

Belongingness/Love Needs

The need for social relationships, including connection to family, community, or groups.

Esteem Needs

The need for self-esteem and esteem from others, encompassing desires for competence and recognition.

Growth Needs (B Needs)

Needs that focus on self-actualization and personal development, not based on a deficit but a desire to grow.

Self-Actualization

The process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential and capabilities; a key concept in Maslow's hierarchy.

Meta Needs

A set of needs related to self-actualization, including cognitive and aesthetic needs; not hierarchical and equally powerful.

Chronic Deprivation of D Needs

May lead to psychological illnesses such as anxiety and low self-esteem.

B-Cognition

A state of cognition where deficiency needs are satisfied, leading to a focus on growth needs and a calm appreciation for experiences.

D-Cognition

Cognition that occurs when experiencing a deficiency need, focusing on fulfilling those needs.

Peak Experience

A moment of intense joy and fulfillment, characterized by feelings of elation and awe.

Obstacles to Self-Actualization

Factors such as the Jonah Complex, negative environments, and regressive influences of safety needs that inhibit personal growth.

Jonah Complex

The fear of one's own potential and talents, leading to blindness to personal capabilities.