Needs, which often is presented as a pyramid, is an example of the physical needs individuals experience. The base of the pyramid is the physiological needs, which are necessary for survival. Once these are taken care of, an individual can concentrate on the second layer, the need for safety and security. The third layer is the need for love and belonging, followed by the need for esteem. Finally, self-actualization forms the apex of the pyramid. In this scheme, the first four layers are what Maslow called deficiency of needs or D Needs. If they are not filled, you feel anxiety and attempt to fill them. If they are filled, you feel nothing; you feel only the lack. Each layer also takes precedence over the layer above it; you do not feel the lack of safety and security until your physiological needs are taken care of, for example. In Maslow’s terminology, a need does not become relevant until the needs below it are met.
1. Biological needs (food, water, etc.)
2. Safety needs (shelter)
3. Love/belonging
4. Esteem/status
5. self-actualization (becoming the best person we can be)
SUMMARY:
Survival & LIFE Needs: Food, shelter, clothing, bodily functions, procreate the
species, air to breathe, water to drink, etc.
Belonging, Belongingness, & Affection: To love and be loved by family,
friends, group organizations, clubs, teams, pets, etc.
Power, Respect, & Self-Respect: Our achievements, accomplishments, talents,
skills, abilities, feeling good about ourselves, etc.
Freedom: We want to be able to make choices in our lives and do what we want, when we
want, how and where we want.
Fun: We all want to laugh and we all want to have a good time.
Safety & Security: We all want to feel safe and also to feel secure in our environment.
Self-Actualization: EXAMPLES OF SOMEONE WHO IS SELF-ACTUALIZED:
someone who is strong and independent.
someone who is able to gratify his or her own needs and wishes.
someone who is good, not because he or she is afraid of consequences, but simply
because he or she thinks it is a cool thing to be good.
someone who always listens to his or her conscience, that little voice we all have inside of
us.
someone who is responsible rather than dependent.
someone who can replace fear with courage. Everyone is afraid at one time or another.
But what do you do about that fear? Do you hide under the covers or in a closet? Or do
you do what you need to do in spite of any fear feelings?
Similarities:
Glasser’s SURVIVAL needs similar to Maslow’s LIFE NEEDS of air, water, food, shelter, clothing, etc.
Glasser’s BELONGING need similar to Maslow’s BELONGINGNESS & AFFECTION.
Glasser’s POWER & RESPECT needs similar to Maslow’s RESPECT & SELF-RESPECT.
Differences:
Only Glasser’s chart mentions FREEDOM & FUN.
Only Maslow’s chart mentions SAFETY & SECURITY and SELF-ACTUALIZATION.
