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Annotation and Application: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
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Annotation and Application: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Introduction
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is another standard theory in psychology that interprets the
needs of the human being and their activities. This theory was proposed by Abraham Maslow in
1943. This theory suggests that people have hierarchical and hierarchical needs in terms of a
pyramid, with the most primitive need for physiological at the bottom and the highest and most
complex need for psychological self-actualization at the top of the pyramid. Maslow's theory is
crucial in studying psychology because it serves as a map that describes why people are
motivated or driven in their endeavors. Therefore, it can be a valuable tool in counseling because
psychologists can identify the critical needs that define development, motivation, and well-being.
The critique of the work reveals that applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs is vital in explaining
the motivation and development of humans in different contexts that can be observed in
adolescents' psychological health, the state of young LGBT people, and educational psychology.
Annotated Bibliography
Article 1
Crandall, A., Powell, E. A., Bradford, G. C., Magnusson, B. M., Hanson, C. L., Barnes,
M. D., Novilla, M. L. B., & Bean, R. A. (2019). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a Framework
for Understanding Adolescent Depressive Symptoms over Time. Journal of Child and Family
Studies, 29(2), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01577-4.
This study analyzes the possibility of using the model of Maslow's need hierarchy to
analyze depressive signs in adolescents during a more extended period in a survey study by
Crandall et al. (2019). He used a longitudinal design to evaluate adolescents' depressive
symptoms depending on the satisfaction of the specified needs. Before conducting the study, the
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researchers shared the literature review of the topic that outlined the theoretical framework
concerning Maslow's hierarchy of needs in psychology. Ideally, they believed that fluctuations in
self-esteem needs would correspond to depressive rates within the same period. Needs
fulfillment and depressive symptoms were assessed in participants at multiple time points. This
enabled the authors to obtain longitudinal data. Consequently, Crandall et al. (2019) established
that non-attainment of higher-order needs partly accounts for a rise in adolescent's depressive
symptoms. As such, there are implications for applying Maslow's theory to explain mental health
issues affecting youth mainly.
Article 2
Bucchio, J., Jones, V. N., & Dopwell, D. M. (2020). Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of
Needs to LGBT foster youth: practice implications for child welfare professionals and those
working in rural settings. Journal of Social Work Practice, 35(3), 1–13.
https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2020.1834372.
This study explores how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be met in foster care for
LGBT. Generally, Bucchio et al. (2020) identified potential ways of implementing the needs of
LGBT youth in temporary upkeep. Their hypothesis involved the supposition that basic identity
needs would enhance the well-being and development of LGBT foster youths. Ideally, the
human subjects in the study were child welfare staff in rural regions. They were required to
apply the Maslow model when addressing homosexual youth (Bucchio et al., 2020). Apparently,
the researchers ascertained that integrating care processes with the hierarchy theory made care a
proper champion for vulnerable groups. Overall, the study stresses the value of Maslow's theory
in improving support for excluded youth and improving childcare practices.
Article 3
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Noad, B. (1979). Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy Related to Educational Attitudes and Self‐
concepts of Elementary Student Teachers. Educational Review, 31(1), 51–57.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0013191790310106.
The study aims to find how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs influences attitudes toward
education and the self-concepts of elementary student teachers. The survey by Noad (1979) used
a sample of elementary student teachers to examine how several of the needs in Maslow's
hierarchy affect their educational sentiments and perceptions of themselves as teachers. Based on
the literature, the researcher found that although Maslow's hierarchy is used frequently in clinical
and organizational settings, its utility in educational settings, especially among pre-service
education students, has yet to be explored adequately (Noad, 1979). The hypothesis stated that
the more satisfied their higher-level needs (power, esteem, and self-actualization) student
teachers will be, the more positive educational attitudes and vital self-concepts they will display.
The subjects involved in the study were elementary student teachers who were required
to respond to questionnaires concerning their needs, satisfaction, and education beliefs. The
authors found positive links between fulfilling higher-order needs and educational attitudes.
They concluded that Maslow's model can explain the subjective experiences of future educators
(Noad, 1979). Generally, the study highlights the importance of applying the insights from
Maslow's theory to educational contexts and enhancing the creation of effective educational
practices to aid the teaching and learning processes in educators' training.
Personal Reflection
In particular, examinations of Maslow's famous Hierarchy of Needs have given me great
insight into human psychology and behavior. Exploring Maslow's theory has helped me learn
more about motivations and wants. Needs are a pyramid, starting with the physiological needs
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and then moving to the psychological ones (Noad, 1979). That understanding has made me
aware of the multifaceted nature of motivation and how different life spheres can be interrelated.
Furthermore, I have learned about Maslow's theory, which enhances my perspective toward
myself and others, especially in acknowledging the importance of self-actualization and
psychological health.
I have applied Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in academic and personal dimensions. First,
I have used this knowledge in my academic career to assess desire as envisaged in theoretical
frameworks (Crandall et al., 2019). Secondly, I have applied Maslow's works in critically self-
evaluating my goals to complement my higher-order needs. Lastly, in occupational practice, I
practiced Maslow's theory of appreciating the client's motivation and needs in counseling.
Overall, Maslow's concept of the hierarchy of needs has broadened my academic knowledge of
human conduct and growth.
Conclusion
It is virtually impossible to overestimate the importance of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
as a theoretical concept for analyzing human motivation and behavior in different settings. Based
on the articles reviewed, the hierarchy narrows down essential human requirements to basic
needs. Moreover, the outlined structure guides practice related to child welfare, mental health,
and educational fields. Ideally, the articles also show how Maslow's theory can be applied in
specific populations, for example, the foster Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT)
youth, besides adolescent populations exhibiting depressive symptoms. Therefore, Maslow's
Hierarchy of Needs remains a leading conceptual tool for studying and improving human
fulfillment in psychology and other fields. Its principles guarantee that these approaches remain
relevant in human and social development.
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References
Bucchio, J., Jones, V. N., & Dopwell, D. M. (2020). Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to
LGBT foster youth: practice implications for child welfare professionals and those
working in rural settings. Journal of Social Work Practice, 35(3), 1–13.
https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2020.1834372
Crandall, A., Powell, E. A., Bradford, G. C., Magnusson, B. M., Hanson, C. L., Barnes, M. D.,
Novilla, M. L. B., & Bean, R. A. (2019). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a Framework
for Understanding Adolescent Depressive Symptoms Over Time. Journal of Child and
Family Studies, 29(2), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01577-4
