Maslow's Holistic-Dynamic Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the outlook of Abraham Maslow, one of the most influential psychological theorists of the 20th century. In particular, his approach known as humanistic psychology is examined, with an emphasis on his holistic-dynamic theory. The paper describes this theory based on the existing theories of Freud, Jung and Adler. Maslow's "hierarchy of needs" is presented as part of the holistic theory. The paper regards Maslow quite positively, because he never claimed that his theories were an end in themselves or that they were valid to the exclusion of all other theories of psychology.

Outline:
Background of Maslow's Interest in Humanistic Psychology
The Holistic Dynamic Theory
Theory of Motives
Deficiency Motives
Growth Motives
Hierarchy of Needs
The Physiological Needs
The Safety and Security Needs
The Love and Belonging Needs
The Esteem Needs
Self-Actualization
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Even while realizing the importance of the existing theories, Maslow made it his life's goal to "integrate into a single theoretical structure" the partial truths that he saw in Freud, Adler, Jung, et. al. He asserted that Freud had given us "the sick half of psychology, and we must now fill it out with the healthy half." (Maslow, quoted by Ewen, 1998, p. 416) As a result, Maslow developed his Holistic-Dynamic theory of human psychology through the study of healthy, fully functioning, and creative individuals instead of focusing on the mentally ill and the neurotic individuals as was done by Freud and his followers."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boeree, Dr. C. G. (1998). "Abraham Maslow-1908-1970." Personality Theories. Retrieved on February 8, 2006 from http://www.ship.edu/%7Ecgboeree/maslow.html
• Ewen, R. B. (1998). An Introduction to Theories of Personality (5th ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Hoffman, E. (1992, January/February). "The Last Interview of Abraham Maslow." Psychology Today, 25, 68+.
• Lowry, R. (1999). "A.H. Maslow's Vision of Human Nature." Vassar College. Retrieved on February 8, 2006 from http://www.maslow.org/sub/lowry1.htm
• Maslow, A.H. (1968). Toward a Psychology of Being. (2nd ed.). New York: John Wiley and Sons

More papers on Maslow's Holistic-Dynamic Theory:

• Essay # 30122 : "Abraham Maslow"
• Analytical Essay # 9320 : "Maslow's Motivation Theory"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: