Thirty Second Theories: Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs

Theory Designer: Abraham Maslow (1943)

Theory Summary: Human needs break down into five basic catagories:

Physiogical, Safety, Love, Esteem, Self-Actualization

Crux concept: When a lower need is fulfilled its strength diminishes while the strength of the next need increases

Key words:
Deficit Needs: If you don’t have enough of a certain need fulfiller you will feel this need
Homeostasis: The idea the if we are lacking in a need we subconsiously set about to meet the need to bring us into a state of equilibrium, this subconsious push to meet needs is referred to as instinctoid

Interesting Fact: Maslow was the oldest of 7 children, he came from a family of Russian immigrants. He received his BA, MA and PhD in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin

Affiliation: Began his teaching career at Brooklyn College and later chaired the psychology department at Brandeis from 1951 to 1969

Related Links:

Maslow History and Theory Link
PBS.org: People and Discoveries