: maslows theory of motivation, theory, Maslow, motivation, self-actualization
photo courtesy of dimnikolov, Flickr

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory was developed by Abraham Maslow. It is a theory that is widely known and recognized and follows a five-level hierarchy format:

  1. Physiological. Basic needs that include the need for food, water and shelter
  2. Safety. These needs are the desire to feel safe, secure and free from threats.
  3. Belonging. This is the need to feel that you are affiliated with other people and accepted by them.
  4. Esteem. A desire to have a positive self-image and to be appreciated and valued by other people.
  5. Self-actualization. The need to develop our skills and capabilities in order to reach our full potential.


So how does Maslows theory of motivation play out in real life. Let’s take an example of a teenaged girl. By all accounts anyone looking from the outside in would think the parents of this girl are pushing her too hard. Katie has been a self-motivated learner from a very early age. She has been reading since she was four and at the age of 14 can read in three different languages.

Katie started studying the piano at the age of six and at the age of eight, decided the guitar would be fun to learn. She has no problem finding the time to practice and in fact looks forward to her practice time.

Katie also likes to be a part of the soccer and volleyball teams at school. She has no problem getting her homework done successfully while at the same time attending practices and games. I’m sure you are not surprised to hear that Katie is at the top of her class academically. In fact she is in the accelerated program in her high school. If Katie is going to be involved with something she wants to make sure it is good quality. She certainly doesn’t want to be part of a team or organization that does not strive for excellence.

Now, I have a question for you and be honest with yourself, while reading about Katie were you thinking that her parents are pushing this girl way too hard and she must be miserable because there is no way she WANTS to do all of this? But that is not at all the case. Not only is Katie happy, she is friendly and considerate of others at all times. She is happy and has a great outlook on life.

Without knowing it Katie is applying Maslow’s theory of motivation in her life.

Psychologist, Abraham Maslow, created a group of human needs believed he had to be present in people’s lives in a certain order for them to be well balanced, successful, and happy. Maslow believed that once these needs were met in the order listed above it was a natural thing to have success in life.

The needs as Maslow lists them go from the most basic of needs, number 1. food, water, shelter; to the most complex with number 5. self-actualization being the most complex. Maslow believed the most basic needs had to be satisfied first and then you could move up to the next levels, one at a time. Maslow taught that people reached their full potential and continued growth as they moved up this “ladder,” so to speak, of needs.

I would say Katie’s parents have successfully taught her, albeit unknowingly, to follow Maslow’s theory of motivation.

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