Maslow, Abraham
Overview
Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist best known for proposing the Hierarchy of Needs theory, which argues that individuals have certain basic needs that must be met before they can achieve self-actualization or self-fulfillment. Maslow's work has been influential in a variety of fields, including education, business, healthcare, and social work.
Significance
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory has had a significant impact on our understanding of human motivation and behavior. By emphasizing the importance of meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, safety, love, and esteem, Maslow's theory provides a framework for understanding what drives people to pursue certain goals and behaviors. Moreover, Maslow's concept of self-actualization has inspired countless individuals to strive for personal growth and self improvement.
Contributions
Maslow's most significant contribution to psychology is his Hierarchy of Needs theory, which he first proposed in a 1943 paper titled "A Theory of Human Motivation." Maslow argued that human needs are organized hierarchically, with physiological needs such as food and shelter forming the foundation of the hierarchy. Once these basic needs are met, individuals can then focus on meeting higher-level needs such as safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization.
Maslow also contributed to the field of positive psychology, which emphasizes the importance of promoting well-being and happiness rather than simply focusing on treating mental illness. Maslow's concept of peak experiences, which refers to moments of intense joy and fulfillment, has been particularly influential in this regard.
Major Works
- Motivation and Personality (1954)
- Toward a Psychology of Being (1962)
- The Farther Reaches of Human Nature (1971)
- Religions, Values, and Peak Experiences (1970)