Maslow's Theory of Personality

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"Maslow's theory of personality rests on several basic assumptions regarding motivation." (Feist, 255) the first assumption is the holistic approach to motivation. This approach states that a while person, not any single part or function, is motivated. Maslow's second assumption regarding motivation is that motivation is usually complex. This means that motives for a person's behavior can stem from several different factors. This motivation may be in the person's unconsciousness. The third assumption regarding motivation is the people are continually motivated by one need or another. Once a need is satisfied, the motivation ceases and another need replaces it. Motivation is then focused on the new need. This cycle continues throughout life. A fourth assumption regarding motivation is that all people everywhere are motivated by the same basic needs. The way a person goes about satisfying these needs vary among cultures, but the basic needs are the same. Everyone has a need for food, safety, and friendships. Maslow's final assumption regarding motivation is that needs can be arranged on a hierarchy. Maslow's hierarchy of needs has five levels. Each level must be achieved before moving to a higher level. The first level on Maslow's hierarchy of needs is physiological needs, which are the most basic needs of any person. These needs include food, water, oxygen, etc. Once the physiological needs are satisfied, a person is then motivated by safety needs. These needs include security, stability, dependency, protection, and freedom. The next need on Maslow's hierarchy of needs is love and belongingness. This need is satisfied through friendships and relationships. When a person has satisfied their need of love and belongingness, they move up to esteem needs. Esteem needs include confidence and self-esteem. The last need on Maslow's

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