Psych Series #10: Hierarchy of Needs Welcome back to Psych Series! We will begin this year with another topic from Psych 101. First let's define the concept of mental health. What is mental health? According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental health is the "simultaneous success at working, loving,k and creating with the capacity for mature and flexible resolution of conflicts between instincts, conscience, important other people and reality (APA, 1980)." Another way to view mental health is "the successful adaptation to stressors from the internal or external environment, evidenced by thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are age-appropriate and congruent with local and cultural norms (Townsend, 2003)."
What motivates us to strive for balance in our mental health? Abraham Maslow created a theory describing a "hierarchy of needs" that suggests that our most basic needs must be met before we, as humans, desire or are motivated to seek "the realization of his or her highest potential (Maslow, 1970)." The following are characteristics Maslow believed "healthy" and "self-actualized" people possess:
What motivates us to strive for balance in our mental health? Abraham Maslow created a theory describing a "hierarchy of needs" that suggests that our most basic needs must be met before we, as humans, desire or are motivated to seek "the realization of his or her highest potential (Maslow, 1970)." The following are characteristics Maslow believed "healthy" and "self-actualized" people possess:
- An appropriate perception of reality
- The ability to accept oneself, others, and human nature
- The ability to manifest spontaneity
- The capacity for focusing concentration on problem solving
- A need for detachment and desire for privacy
- Independence, autonomy, and a resistance to enculturation
- An intensity of emotional reaction
- A frequency of "peak" experiences that validates the worthwhileness, richness, and beauty of life
- An identification with humankind
- The ability to achieve satisfactory interpersonal relationships
- A democratic character structure and strong sense of ethics
- Creativeness
- A degree of nonconformance
Physiological - These include our most basic fundamental needs such as food, water, air, sleep, exercise, elimination, shelter, and sexual expression.
Safety (and Security) - The needs in this level are avoiding harm, maintaining comfort, order, structure, physical safety, freedom from fear, and protection.
Social (or Love and Belonging) - These needs are for giving and receiving of affection, companionship, satisfactory interpersonal relationships, and identification with a group.
Esteem (Self-Esteem, Esteem of Others) - Individuals seek self-respect and respect from others, works to achieve success and recognition in work, and desires prestige from accomplishments.
Self-actualization - The individual possesses a feeling of self-fulfillment and the realization of his or her highest potential.
Maslow theorizes that during our progression through the hierarchy, if our needs are not met, we feel tension and anxiety.
So, where are you on the hierarchy pyramid? Have you reached self-actualization? Are you still working diligently on creating a solid base? No matter what stage you are at on your path to mental wellness, remember it's a journey! Our experiences shape who we are and help us to learn along the way. Good luck with your journey! May it lead you to peace, love, and happiness in this new year!
Safety (and Security) - The needs in this level are avoiding harm, maintaining comfort, order, structure, physical safety, freedom from fear, and protection.
Social (or Love and Belonging) - These needs are for giving and receiving of affection, companionship, satisfactory interpersonal relationships, and identification with a group.
Esteem (Self-Esteem, Esteem of Others) - Individuals seek self-respect and respect from others, works to achieve success and recognition in work, and desires prestige from accomplishments.
Self-actualization - The individual possesses a feeling of self-fulfillment and the realization of his or her highest potential.
Maslow theorizes that during our progression through the hierarchy, if our needs are not met, we feel tension and anxiety.
So, where are you on the hierarchy pyramid? Have you reached self-actualization? Are you still working diligently on creating a solid base? No matter what stage you are at on your path to mental wellness, remember it's a journey! Our experiences shape who we are and help us to learn along the way. Good luck with your journey! May it lead you to peace, love, and happiness in this new year!
