Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow developed his theories at a time when most of psychology was focusing on the abnormal part of our human nature (Kendra, 2015). His development of a positive frame work toward human mental health was something fairly new to this field of professionals.

 

Positive psychology today, has gained in strength and is supported by more research based evidence today. It is possible this has contributed to the renewed interest in his theories today (Kendra, 2015). He had the expressed wish for theorists to take his work and develop it further. 

 

A large part of his career was devoted to exploring human potential, seeking peak experience and improving mental health through his belief and adherence to personal growth (Kendra, 2015).

 

He urged people to acknowledge their basic needs before addressing higher needs and ultimately self-actualization

 

These beliefs were developed through Humanistic Psychology legacy initiated by himself and Carl Rogers, built on the existential psychological belief in humanity’s inherent good and respect toward that (Project Management, 2005).

 

Humanistic psychology influenced the development of therapies that were guided by an understanding of each individual’s inner resources to heal and grow. Therapy is structured in the way that aids the removal of obstacles to the client’s health. Carl Rogers was the most famous of this type of therapy and is known for his client- centred approach.

 

Abraham’s Hierarchy of needs is a widely referenced theory for motivation that he intended to depict the levels toward a state of being called ‘self-actualisation’. The interpretation of this pyramid has been left to various interpretations and misinterpretations.

 

The Hierarchy theory is sometimes applied in other areas of study, including: finance, economics, history and criminology.

 

His Hierarchy of needs pyramid is the route to self actualisation that is described as what motivates us as human beings.

 

His theory of “self actualisation” as described in the books Motivation and personality and toward a psychology of being Abraham set forth the theory that each person has an hierarchy of needs that must be met.