Chapter 9 Abraham Maslow

Hierarchy of Needs

A theory proposing that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy from the strongest to the weakest.

Instinctoid Needs

Maslow’s term for innate needs that activate and direct behavior.

Physiological Needs

Basic survival needs that serve as strong motivating forces in cultures facing basic survival concerns.

Safety Needs

The need for stability, security, and freedom from fear, important especially for children and neurotic adults.

Belongingness and Love Needs

The need expressed through relationships, with failure to meet this need leading to emotional maladjustment.

Esteem Needs

The need for self-esteem and esteem from others, leading to feelings of self-worth and recognition.

Self-actualization

The ultimate need representing the fullest development of the self.

Cognitive Needs

An innate need to know and understand, expressed as natural curiosity.

Metamotivation

The motivation of self-actualizers to maximize personal potential.

Metaneeds

States of growth or being that self-actualizers evolve toward.

Self-actualizers

Individuals who achieve personal growth and realize their potential, characterized by efficiency in their perceptions of reality.

Jonah Complex

The fear that maximizing one’s potential may lead to a situation with which one cannot cope.

Self-determination Theory

A theory that focuses on intrinsic motivation and specifies basic needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.

Free will

The idea that individuals have the ability to make choices and direct their own lives.

Criticisms of Maslow's Theory

Inconsistency in information collection and ambiguity in the terminology used.

Contributions of Maslow's Theory

Popularized humanistic psychology and influenced positive psychology, personality, and social behavior.