The Maslow Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational oriented theory that is founded on universal human needs. The theory is guided by the principle that each human being has a hierarchy of needs that include psychological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. According to this theory, humans act to satisfy their unmet needs ( McLeod, 2007 ). For instance, when a person does not have clothes, they have to something to wear on their body, which is equivalent to satisfying a basic psychological need. Further, the Maslow theory portends that once a hierarchical need is met, its value diminishes, and a need at a higher level takes precedence. The above diagram is a pyramid that shows the needs at each hierarchical level, according to Maslow's theory ( Mcleod, 2020 ).
Characteristics of Self-Actualizers
The highest level, defined by Maslow's theory, is self-actualization. People in this category are in the peak of their lives, and they have robust foundations for satisfying needs in the levels below this one. The first characteristic of self-actualizers is that they are highly creative, which means that they are persistently aiming at devising ways of solving problems. Second, they have a rich tendency to perceive life objectively in that self-actualizers work to remove bias and thus negativity from their worldview. Third, a person at the self-actualization level tends to be problem-centered rather than self-centered. A self-actualizer will not focus on self but will give priority to a problem facing society. The fourth trait regards their capacity to establish rich and satisfying interpersonal associations with a few people ( Mcleod, 2020 ). A self-actualizer will not seek acceptance from everybody, but they focus on building meaningful relationships with a few people with whom they have common goals.
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Behaviors that Lead to Self-Actualization
It is important to understand that people reach this level in their unique ways, but there are some common characteristics. First, self-actualizers are known to be hardworking and responsible. A self-actualizer will always own the process and work towards the set objectives relentlessly. Second, people at this level of need always focus on shunning dishonesty and pretense. Self-actualizers will not engage in pretentious thoughts and actions, and they have honesty as a key principle guiding their lives. Third, self-actualizers always listen to their feelings in instances whereby they have to evaluate their experiences ( Mcleod, 2020 ). For example, if a self-actualizer feels that the authority or the majority are wrong based on their experience, they will follow their feelings.
Criticisms of Maslow’s Theory
Although Maslow's theory has substantial relevance in explaining human needs, there are several criticisms aimed at it. The most notable criticism of Maslow’s theory is its underlying methodology. In defining the traits of self-actualized people, Maslow employed a qualitative method referred to as biographical analysis. It is argued that this approach is highly subjective because it is entirely founded on the researcher's opinion, which is prone to bias. Thus the validity of the data is questionable. Second, it is empirically difficult to test the aspect of self-actualization to establish causal relationships. The other criticism is that the theory assumes that needs in lower hierarchies must be fulfilled before realizing those at the top. In real life, this does not happen since one can achieve self-actualization in one aspect, such as parenting, but their need for social security be not satisfied. Last, one could argue that many creative people, such as authors, lived in poverty in their entire lives but realized self-actualization ( Mcleod, 2020 ).
Strengths of Maslow’s Theory
Maslow's theory has two fundamental strengths. First, it is simple to understand, and a layperson can relate to the principles behind this theory. This is because each person goes through the Maslow's stages of needs. Last, the theory takes into consideration human nature. In developing this theory, Maslow took into account the basic nature of humans ( Mcleod, 2020 ).
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a Pyramid, Not a Triangle
The statement “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a pyramid, not a triangle” means that the order of these needs cannot be inverted. The realization of low levels needs gives a foundation for satisfying those in the next level.
Favorite Quote from Maslow
“ What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself ."
This is a particularly powerful quote from Maslow that implies that a person must understand their situation; emotional, environmental, and biological if they have to change. Relating this quote to the hierarchy of needs, it means that for a person to progress up the pyramid, they must realize their most immediate needs and prioritize to satisfy them.
Reflection on What Motivates Me
Maslow's theory is a great source of motivation if an individual understands the principles behind it. However, the one thing that motivates me is to achieve my goals, both long term, and short term. As a goal-oriented person, I subscribe to the principles of Maslow's theory with deviation being in that I do not strictly follow the hierarchical structure. For example, it is my goal always to have food, clothing, and shelter, which is why I always have a money-making venture, such as employment, to ensure that I am financially secure. Similarly, in academics, I put all efforts into being an all-round and exemplary student. In the close relationships that I have, I always pursue self-actualization in that I always aspire to be objective, honest, and unpretentious to my friends and family members.
References
McLeod, S. (2007). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Simply psychology , 1 , 1-8.
Mcleod, S. (2020). Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs . Simply Psychology. Retrieved 4 August 2020, from www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html#:~:text=Maslow's%20hierarchy%20of%20needs%20is,hierarchical%20levels%20within%20a%20pyramid.&text=From%20the%20bottom%20of%20the,esteem%2C%20and%20self%2Dactualization .
