College students frequently like humanistic theory more than they like instinct theory or drive
reductionism.
The Humanistic Theory of Motivation is a type of motivational theory that addresses the meaning of
behavior, and the nature of healthy human development. Abraham Maslow, an American Psychologist,
desired to know what motivated humans. He suggested that humans were driven to fulfill certain needs.
When a single need is fulfilled humans seek to satisfy the next need, and so forth (Maslow, 1943). He
developed a five stage model that encompassed basic, physiological, safety, love, and esteem and self-
actualization needs. This theory intrigues me as the human element (depending upon the individual)
seems never to have the needs of all levels fulfilled at once.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/humanistic-theory-motivation-maslows-hierarchy-needs
Maslow’s Theory of Motivation
Abraham Maslow’s theory is based on the concept that humans have basic needs that need to be met
before moving up the pyramid to the next basic need, until eventually reaching ‘self-actualization’ as
seen at the top of the pyramid in the diagram to the right. Reaching ‘self-actualization’ means the person
can then trust, be creative, problem solve, and have a sense of morality.
Five Stages of Needs Theory:
1. Physiological Needs - The basic needs for survival have to be met, such as food, water, sleep,
and homeostasis. Without these basic needs one cannot possibly think about anything else
beyond how to survive.
2. Safety - This stage includes feeling safe and secure; maybe the person has some source of
income, health, and a place to call home. If we do not feel safe and secure, whether it be for
bodily safety or safety of resources, it is all consuming and hard to think of anything else in a
productive way.
3. Love/belonging – The person has some sort of friendship, relationship with family, or sexual
intimacy. This is a feeling of belonging, which we all want to feel and leads to the next step.
4. Esteem – This need includes a good feeling of self-esteem and maybe a sense of achievement,
which results in a show of confidence, respect for others, and respect by others. When humans
feel good about themselves, they worry less about what others think of them and start taking
more chances.
5. Self-actualization – The final stage encompasses an acceptance of facts, a lack of prejudice,
spontaneity, creativity, and the ability to problem solve. This is the point in one’s life where
people can see the potential in themselves and act on it.
https://motivation-project.wikispaces.com/Humanistic+Theories+of+Motivation
https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Abraham-Maslow-on-Self-Actualization-Motivation-and-FKCD74GATC
