Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - Brief Notes PDF

Maslow’s Theory Background Abraham Maslow’s theory is one of the earliest and most well know theories of motivation. It’s often shown as a triangle, or pyramid. It fits into the content school of motivation theories, meaning that it focuses primarily on what motivates people, not the processes thr...

Maslow’s Theory Background Abraham Maslow’s theory is one of the earliest and most well know theories of motivation. It’s often shown as a triangle, or pyramid. It fits into the content school of motivation theories, meaning that it focuses primarily on what motivates people, not the processes through which they are motivated. The theory was first proposed in the 1940s, but first fully expressed in 1954. Like most content models of motivation, some people have challenged the validity of some aspects of this model. Despite this, its popular and has been fairly well accepted. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can help focus on children’s needs, and to identify where there are gaps, for example, breakfast may be provided for children who come to school hungry.  ✓ Physiological needs are about having the right nutrition and water, access to fresh air, enough rest and exercise. ✓ Safety needs are about security and feeling safe – physically and emotionally, the need to have shelter/a home and to have stability in one’s life. ✓ Belongingness and love and are to do with others, the social side of feeling that you belong, are connected, loved and included. ✓ Esteem needs concerns inner self – having feelings of achievement, being recognised, having power over one’s life and being a person different from another person. ✓ Self-actualization is to do with achieving one’s full potential, being creative and finding that specialness of oneself. From a purely child development stance, all child developmental needs are encompassed in Maslow’s theory – physical development, emotional development, social development, cognitive and language development, and aesthetic development. What’s important to take away from looking at Maslow’s theory is that you have to attend to the basic needs of a child before you can expect them reach their full potential.