Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the hierarchy of needs theory, created by Abraham Maslow in 1943, states that human beings are constantly in pursuit of needs of which there are five fundamental types. These five types are arranged in a pyramid with the base being physiological need, continuing to safety, love, esteem and finally to the top that is self-actualization. The author stresses that there is no definitive threshold where one need leaves off and the next level activates; instead, needs are filled partially or proportionally resulting in each level of the hierarchy being fulfilled to some extent. The paper relates that each student is an individual human being with his or her own particular set of needs, which varies drastically from student to student and is influenced by a variety of socio-economic factors.

From the Paper:

"The esteem needs of the students pertains to their self-image and the respect garnered from peers. There is an important distinction here from the need to belong. The need to belong represents the need to be part of the group, while the esteem needs represent the need to have prestige or status within the group. While everybody feels the need to belong, they also want to feel that they are an important part of the group, that they are needed and respected for their personal capabilities. As a teacher, I am presented with an opportunity to fulfill this need."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Maslow, Abraham H. "A Theory of Human Motivation." Classics in the History of Psychology. 1943. York University. 2 May 2006. <http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Maslow/motivation.htm>
• Boeree, C. George. "Abraham Maslow: 1908-1970" Personality Theories. 1998. Shippensberg University. 2 May 2006. <http://www.ship.edu/~cboeree/maslow.html>

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