MASLOW

CHAPTER 9 – MASLOW: HOLISTIC–DYNAMIC THEORY

I. Biography of Abraham H. Maslow

❖ Overview:

Abraham Harold Maslow (1908–1970) was the founder of humanistic psychology, emphasizing human growth, potential, and motivation toward self-actualization.

Key Biographical Points

• Born in New York City (1908) to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents.
  
  

• Oldest of seven children; upbringing marked by conflict with his mother.
  
  

• Earned PhD in Psychology (1934) at University of Wisconsin; studied with Harry Harlow (famous for rhesus monkey research on attachment).
  
  

• Worked with E. L. Thorndike at Columbia University.
  
  

• Influenced by Adler, Fromm, and Horney—all focused on human potential and social factors.
  
  

• Became Chairperson at Brandeis University (1951).
  
  

• President of APA (1967–1968).
  
  

• Died 1970 of a heart attack.
  
  

Real-Life Insight:

Maslow’s difficult childhood contributed to his interest in positive human growth and the possibility of transcending early negative experiences.

II. Maslow’s View of Motivation

❖ Academic Definition:

Maslow proposed a holistic-dynamic theory, arguing that humans are motivated by needs arranged in a hierarchy, and all humans share the same basic motivational structure.

Key Ideas

• Holistic approach: The whole person—not isolated behaviors—must be studied.
  
  

• Motivation is complex: Multiple needs operate simultaneously.
  
  

• Humans are continually motivated: When one need is satisfied, another emerges.
  
  

• Universal needs: Motivational system applies across cultures.
  
  

• Hierarchy: Needs follow a predictable sequence, from basic survival to self-actualization.
  
  

III. Hierarchy of Needs

A. Conative (Basic) Needs

❖ Definition:

Needs that motivate actions aimed at fulfilling deficits or developing the self.

B. Aesthetic Needs

❖ Definition:

The need for beauty, order, symmetry, and harmony.

Example: Decorating rooms, enjoying art galleries.

C. Cognitive Needs

❖ Definition:

Needs for knowledge, understanding, exploration, curiosity.

Example: Reading, scientific inquiry, studying new skills.

D. Neurotic Needs

❖ Definition:

Nonproductive needs that lead to pathology; usually arise when basic needs are not met.

Example: Obsessive need for structure, perfectionism, unhealthy dependency.

IV. General Discussion of Needs

A. Reversed Order of Needs

• Sometimes higher needs appear before lower ones.

• Example: Artists starving but still pursuing creativity.
  
  

B. Unmotivated Behavior

Not all actions are motivated by needs.

• Two Types:

  • Expressive behavior: Natural expression of the self (e.g., laughing, frowning).
    
    

  • Coping behavior: Goal-directed actions to satisfy needs (e.g., studying to pass exams).
    
    

C. Deprivation of Needs

• Failure to satisfy lower needs leads to pathology and stunted growth.
  
  

D. Instinctoid Nature of Needs

• Needs are partly instinctual but shaped by the environment.

• Higher needs are weaker, less urgent, but more culturally shaped.
  
  

E. Higher vs. Lower Needs Comparison

V. Self-Actualization

❖ Definition:

The full realization of one’s potential—becoming everything one is capable of becoming.

A. Criteria for Self-Actualization

Self-actualizing people:

• Are free from psychopathology
  
  

• Have satisfied basic needs
  
  

• Embrace B-values (being-values)
  
  

• Make full use of talents and capabilities
  
  

B. B-Values (Being Values)

Higher values pursued by self-actualizers:

Truth • Goodness • Beauty • Wholeness • Aliveness • Uniqueness • Perfection • Completion • Justice • Simplicity • Totality • Effortlessness • Humor • Autonomy

C. Metamotivation

❖ Definition: Motivation driven by growth, not deficiency.

• Focuses on expressive behavior

• Related to B-values and peak experiences
  
  

D. Metapathology

❖ Definition:

Failure to develop a meaningful philosophy of life → results from rejection of B-values.

Example: Creative stagnation, loss of purpose, existential emptiness.

VI. Characteristics of Self-Actualizing People

A. Personal Characteristics

• Efficient perception of reality

• Acceptance of self, others, and nature

• Spontaneity and simplicity

• Problem-centered (not self-centered)

• Need for privacy

• Autonomy (independence from culture)

• Continued freshness of appreciation

• Capacity for peak experiences
  
  

B. Interpersonal & Social Characteristics

• Gemeinschaftsgefühl: Social interest & empathy

• Profound interpersonal relationships

• Democratic character (respect for others)

• Clear distinction between means & ends

• Philosophical, non-hostile sense of humor

• Creativity

• Resistance to enculturation (they follow their own internal values)
  
  

Real-Life Example:

Nelson Mandela demonstrated autonomy, purpose, empathy, and resilience—traits typical of self-actualizers.

VII. Love, Sex, and Self-Actualization

• Love needs must be met before self-actualization begins.

• Self-actualizers experience B-love (Being-love):
  
  

  • Deep, non-possessive, unconditional
    
    

  • Appreciation of partner’s essence
    
    

• Sex becomes playful, meaningful, and growth-oriented, not driven by deficiency or insecurity.
  
  

VIII. Maslow’s Psychology & Philosophy of Science

❖ Maslow criticized overly rational, value-free science.

He proposed:

• Psychology should be humanistic, holistic, and value-laden
  
  

• Researchers must integrate emotion, creativity, intuition
  
  

• Scientists should be imaginative, not mechanical
  
  

IX. Measuring Self-Actualization

A. Personal Orientation Inventory (POI)

Measures behaviors and values of self-actualizing individuals.

B. Short Index of Self-Actualization

Quick screening tool assessing progress toward growth.

C. Measure of Actualization Potential (MAP)

Five subdimensions:

• Adaptation

• Autonomy

• Openness to life

• Openness to self

• Openness to others
  
  

D. Characteristics of Self-Actualization Scale

Designed to measure traits associated with self-actualizers.

X. The Jonah Complex

❖ Definition:

Fear of one’s own greatness—avoiding one’s full potential due to fear, false modesty, or insecurity.

Key Insights

• People fear success or responsibility

• Self-doubt prevents self-actualization

• Creativity is stifled by fear of criticism or failure
  
  

Real-Life Example:

A gifted student avoids applying for scholarships because they fear they “don’t deserve it.”

XI. Psychotherapy

Goals of therapy in Maslow’s view:

• Help clients embrace B-values

• Reduce dependence on others

• Encourage natural growth toward self-actualization

• Therapy should not be value-free; values guide healing
  
  

XII. Related Research

Positive Psychology example:

• Burton & King (2004): Writing about positive experiences led to improved physical health in subsequent months.
  
  

This supports Maslow’s belief that positive focus enhances well-being.

XIII. Critique of Maslow’s Theory

XIV. Concept of Humanity

Maslow’s view emphasizes:

• Free choice over determinism

• Optimism over pessimism

• Teleology (future goals) over causality (past causes)

• Conscious processes over unconscious

• Equal emphasis on culture & biology

• Balance between uniqueness & similarity