Biological and Human Approaches to Personality

Biological and Humanistic approaches to personality

Eira Schweigert

PSY/250

October 30, 2013

Tracey Jedd PhD

Biological and Humanistic approaches to personality

In this paper, I as the writer will examine the biological and humanistic approaches to personality as well as show how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how growth needs influence personality formation. “The hierarchy of needs theory remains valid today for understanding human motivation, management training, and personal development” (Maslow's hierarchy of needs, 2001-4).

Maslow’s Hierarchy and level of needs

Abraham Maslow first introduced his concept of hierarchy needs in a paper that he wrote in 1943, “A Theory in Human Motivation.” This hierarchy (Maslow’s Triangle) is based on the needs of people. It suggests that people are motivated to satisfy basic needs before moving on to the next level of needs. Within the pyramid the lowest level represents the most basic needs, while the more complicated needs are at the top. Progressing toward the top of the pyramid the levels become more psychological and social. Maslow emphasized the importance of self-actualization. There are five levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that will be discussed now.

Level One

The first level is called the Physiological needs level. This level includes the most basic needs of survival such as food, water, air, sleep, and shelter. Maslow believed that this was the most important level in the hierarchy and that all other needs are secondary until this level has been met.

Level Two

The next level, or second level, is the Safety or security level. This level is important too but not as demanding as the level of psychological needs. Possessing a job, health insurance, law, order, and a roof over one’s head are examples of the safety level.

Level Three

The third level is the social needs or the belongingness and love level. This level is self-explanatory as it is exactly what it says, the need to belong, be loved,...