Anissa Watson
ECDE 1123
Mrs. Diehl
Date: 11/10/119
“Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was an American psychologist who developed the theory of the
hierarchy of needs. Best represented as a pyramid, his theory of development was described as
stages in self-development. His theories were first presented in 1943 in an academic paper,
later expanded in his 1954 book Motivation and Personality. Maslow's theory is a basic part of
many different schools of study. Colleges and universities in every nation study the main drivers
of human nature, as defined by Maslow. Paper Masters has helped many students define and
explain Maslow's theory on motivation and personality. Custom research papers on Maslow's
theory can be ordered to help you write a perfect psychological explication of Maslow's
hierarchy of needs.” (psychology.com)
“Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is frequently presented in the form of a pyramid, although
Maslow himself never used such an icon. First presented in a 1943 paper “A Theory of Human
Motivation,” Maslow fully developed his hierarchy in his 1954 book Motivation and Personality.
The following are the categories of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as discussed on Simply
Psychology: Physiological Needs, Safety Needs, Love and Belonging, and Human Esteem.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs begins with the most basic physiological needs at the bottom.
These are required for human survival and include such things as food, sleep, sex and
breathing. If these basic requirements are not met, the human being cannot function. Second
are safety needs. In the absence of safety, many people suffer from trauma, and require such
things as physical or financial safety. At the third level are needs of love and belonging. Lack of
emotional connection to others can produce detriments in the ability of the individual to
connect with others. Friendship, intimacy and family are types of needs that categorize the
third level.” (simplypsychology.com)
“Maslow’s third level involves love and belonging. Friendship and family are often required for
individuals to feel connected to society and therefore people join groups both large and small.
The fourth level involves human esteem. All people desire to be accepted and valued. When all
self-esteem levels are secured, the person may reach self-actualization, the top level in
Maslow’s hierarchy. This is where the person becomes integrated and whole. The fourth level
of Maslow’s hierarchy includes esteem. Maslow believed that all humans desire respect, to be
accepted by the self and others. Low self-esteem may lead to inferiority complexes or
depression. Finally, the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy is self-actualization. This is the
individual’s realization of his or her full potential. Only after all other levels are met can a
person reach self-actualization.” (psychology.com)
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explains certain motives for people as well as their growth. When
looking at these needs in pyramid form, the first level explains the most basic needs for
humans. The utmost rudimentary needs are satisfying thirst and hunger. Once these necessities
are satisfied the next level of safety can be focused on. After one feels secure and safely
sheltered, it is time to focus on the need to love and feel love. The next step on the pyramid is
to satisfy the needs of esteem. When one feels satisfied with themselves as well as recognized
and respected by others, they are ready to live up to their full potential. This last level is called
self-actualization. When this point is reached the person will be secure and happy with who
they are. They will be compassionate and caring for others rather than just focused on
themselves.
Personally, I work forty hours a week working as a preschool teacher to fulfill my family’s basic
needs. My job puts food on the table and drinks in our mouths as well as providing me with
enough money to put a roof over our heads. We sleep safely and with full bellies in our own
lovely home. The third level in my own hierarchy of needs is also currently satisfied. I have a
great family and set of friends with whom I love very much and feel loved by. I am also very
close with my co-workers. Working at a preschool you tend to see those that you work with
more than your own family, so you all become a very close-knit group of people. While I love all
my co-workers and feel their love in return, there is one love in my life that soars above the
rest. The love and the bond that my family and I share is undeniably the strongest I have ever
felt. They are my world, my best friend, and my biggest fan, and it feels amazing knowing that
those feelings are mutual.
While my first three levels are satisfied, we move along to the fourth level: esteem. I am
already a very independent person and receive no monetary help from others. I respect myself
as well as know that I am respected by others for my achievements thus far in life. However, I
do not think that this level is fully satisfied. Once I finish this program I plan to go ahead and
start my associates in early childhood, I do believe that I will completely fulfill this level. I want
to complete this because I thought about getting my bachelor’s degree later. This will better
help me better help my community, specifically the children. My big plan is to become a
Preschool lead teacher and give these children the love and care that they deserve and need.
This job will provide me with much more than satisfying the first three levels in Maslow’s
hierarchy of needs. It will give me a sense of accomplishment and fill my heart with joy to be
able to help others.
In order to reach self-actualization, I need to be directing all my energy towards my mission in
life. In this aspect, I feel that my mission is to help as many people as possible, and to show the
world all the love in my heart. I already am willing to do everything I can for those who ask, but
I feel that I need to do more. The way I plan to do more is to graduate from college as with a
bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, get myself into the working field, and show these children
compassion and patience.
Through this essay I have learned that I have already achieved at least three out of the five
levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I provide the physiological needs for me and my family
by making sure there is always food and beverages available. We also have a safe place that we
are lucky enough to call home. I know that I love others and that others love me in return. I
have great friends and an even better family. I know that I am never alone, and that I have a
great support system. Seeing that I am dependent and have been successful in my endeavors
and I have almost achieved the fourth level of esteem needs. I have respect from a handful of
people, and I respect myself, but I think that once I graduate and begin my career that that
respect will skyrocket on all levels. After achieving this level, I think that self-actualization will
come easily for me. I will be doing what I dream of by helping others and focusing on their
needs rather than my own. I am a loving and caring person and I cannot wait to share my heart
with the world.
References
psychology.com. n.d.
researchgate.net. n.d.
simplypsychology.com. n.d.
verywellmind.com. n.d.