Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory
Abraham Maslow’s Holistic-Dynamic Theory of Personality
ABRAHAM MASLOW’S HOLISTIC-DYNAMIC THEORY OF PERSONALITY
Abstract: Personality has been studied in regards to various psychological approaches including psychoanalytical theories, learning theories, dispositional theories and humanistic psychology theories among others. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) developed theories of personality from a humanistic psychological standpoint. His holistic-dynamic theory of personality advocates that individuals require the fulfillment of certain fundamental needs in order to develop their personality and use their intelligence efficiently, acquire higher functioning and problem solving proficiently. Basic needs consisted of safety, love and respect. Needs were considered different from manners or habits used in everyday life because manners and habits can be easily cast aside or disregarded and often the setting aside of everyday manners comes as a relief to an individual; the same cannot be said for fundamental needs. A more complex hierarchy of needs addressed the more comprehensive concepts of belongingness, esteem, self-esteem and self-actualization among others. From a psychological application perspective, the idea of meeting fundamental needs in individuals is used in holistic-dynamic applications in the work and home environments in contemporary society in relation to Maslow’s basic needs hierarchy and the additional concepts of vitality, activity and rest; all contributing toward self-actualization within individuals. Without the gratification of having these fundamental needs met, individuals will suffer frustration and eventually psychological “sickness”. Within the work environment,
3.
Abraham Maslow’s Holistic-Dynamic Theory of Personality individuals experience boredom, lack of energy, low self-esteem and personal and professional problems seems insurmountable.
In the field of theoretical psychology, human behavior is often described in terms of
ABRAHAM MASLOW’S HOLISTIC-DYNAMIC THEORY OF PERSONALITY
Abstract: Personality has been studied in regards to various psychological approaches including psychoanalytical theories, learning theories, dispositional theories and humanistic psychology theories among others. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) developed theories of personality from a humanistic psychological standpoint. His holistic-dynamic theory of personality advocates that individuals require the fulfillment of certain fundamental needs in order to develop their personality and use their intelligence efficiently, acquire higher functioning and problem solving proficiently. Basic needs consisted of safety, love and respect. Needs were considered different from manners or habits used in everyday life because manners and habits can be easily cast aside or disregarded and often the setting aside of everyday manners comes as a relief to an individual; the same cannot be said for fundamental needs. A more complex hierarchy of needs addressed the more comprehensive concepts of belongingness, esteem, self-esteem and self-actualization among others. From a psychological application perspective, the idea of meeting fundamental needs in individuals is used in holistic-dynamic applications in the work and home environments in contemporary society in relation to Maslow’s basic needs hierarchy and the additional concepts of vitality, activity and rest; all contributing toward self-actualization within individuals. Without the gratification of having these fundamental needs met, individuals will suffer frustration and eventually psychological “sickness”. Within the work environment,
3.
Abraham Maslow’s Holistic-Dynamic Theory of Personality individuals experience boredom, lack of energy, low self-esteem and personal and professional problems seems insurmountable.
In the field of theoretical psychology, human behavior is often described in terms of
References: Ehrenreich, J.H. (1997). Personality theory: a case of intellectual and social isolation? The Journal of Psychology 131, 33-44. Maslow, A.H. (1954). The Instinctoid Nature of Basic Needs. Journal of Personality 22, 326. Rowan, J. (1998). Maslow amended. (Abraham Maslow, psychologist) The Journal of Humanistic Psychology 38 (1), 81-92. Xu, J.-S. (1997). Humanistic psychology in China. (Special Issue: International Developments in Humanistic Psychology) The Journal of Humanistic Psychology 37 (1), 73-91.