Maslow Motivational Theory.
Motivational Theories
Behaviorists, cognitive and trait theorists, psychologists and health experts have come up with several theories pertaining to behavior, thought and action and how they are ignited and controlled by motivation. There are a number that are specifically related to the process of learning while others deal with the individual’s capability, perception and reason. The bottom line is that the source of motivation probably comes from different areas in the person. A. Maslow’s Theory The Hierarchy of Human Needs According to Abraham Maslow, human beings have needs and wants which greatly influence their behavior. These demands influence behavior only while they are unsatisfied. If they are satisfied, change in behavior will not result. He categorized the needs of people from simple to complex. - Physiological needs. This refers to the basic needs of food, water, shelter, clothing, etc. If the person feels hungry, thirsty, deprived of sleep, deprived of comfort, etc, it is very likely that he will do whatever is necessary to satisfy his needs, resulting in behavioral and cognitive changes.
- Safety and security needs. The person needs to feel safe and protected. Children hold on to their parents and adults find a job that pays well with added benefits. If the person lacks security, he will feel threatened or in the midst of danger and possibly become fearful or overly cautious.
- Love and belongingness needs. The person needs to feel accepted by other people. Family life and romantic relationships matter most in this area. The person needs to constantly communicate and relate with another individual and feel cared for and loved.
- Self-esteem needs. The person constantly tries to do things to the best of his abilities and updates and enhances his skills and knowledge in order to gain recognition and feel successful.
- Self-actualization needs. The person needs to have a sense of fulfillment in his life. Looking back and looking forward, he knows the valuable things he has done and he sets future goals.
What Maslow Says About Motivation It is important to know that you accomplish each of the five stages in chronological order. You can only advance to the next level after you have successfully satisfied the needs of the previous one. Maslow defines human beings as “perpetually wanting animals”. However, the motivation theory should be human-centered rather than animal-centered, which means that it aims for the deeper needs and understanding of human beings, beginning with animalistic physiological needs. In each of the five stages, human beings will behave, think and act as necessary in order to fulfill their needs and wants. Any motivated behavior can be the driving force toward satisfying or expressing a need. On the other hand, it can also be the result of a satisfied or expressed need. It is possible that the behavior is triggered and controlled by several motivations. Generally, Maslow suggests that all states of behavior, thought or action should be considered as motivating and motivated.
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