Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
If you’ve ever worked with me in any capacity (or simply just knowing me), chances are you’ve heard me talk (ad nauseum) about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. A majority of my work is with children and whether you also work with children as part of your own profession, are a parent or just care about children in general, it’s imperative to understand Maslow.
This isn’t a new concept. In fact, Abraham Maslow wrote about the hierarchy in 1943 that first appeared in Psychological Review. The hierarchy is essentially a pyramid (see picture). Maslow surmised needs have to be met at the bottom of the pyramid first before you can climb up. The goal is to eventually get past each level until you reach, “self-actualization,” meaning you are capable of accomplishing your goals, your dreams, your aspirations. Essentially, “The desire to become the most that one can be.”
To be clear, the pyramid shouldn’t be seen in black and white. You don’t have to accomplish one level 100% in order to go to the next level and sometimes people, depending on what is happening in their lives, may move up and down between the levels. It is, however, meant more as a guide to a more functional and healthier person.
Think of someone you know who generally has it together. While we ALL have our own problems or issues (let me be clear on that), chances are they have met the first several levels of the pyramid. But what if a child doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from? Or an adult who is currently homeless. Do you think it’s possible to become gainfully employed when you are hungry or don’t have a place to come home to?
When therapists treat children, they look at these things. A lot of therapy referrals stem from behavioral concerns. It can be easy to dismiss the child as difficult or having, “anger issues,” (I hear this one a lot), but upon further evaluation, often times these children have poor sleep hygiene, aren’t fed full, nutritious meals, and dealing with the stress of their home life which is often kept secret and hidden.
While it is easy to want to blame a parent for not meeting these needs for their kids, it’s often because the parent themselves doesn’t have their basic needs met and so how are they supposed to do this for their child? How can anyone develop any sort of self-worth when they don’t even feel safe and cared for?
Now before I start to sound too preachy, the only reason I want to talk about Maslow’s pyramid is because, well, it’s important to look at a little closer. When you work with a child or meet an adult that appears difficult, think about the pyramid. What might be going on that you aren’t seeing? Or if you’re thinking, “My child’s basic needs ARE met!” (I’ve also met many of these children) but they are struggling with friendships and connection to others – why might that be? What is the barrier that’s causing them hindrance to, “the next level?”
Furthermore, what do you need to do in your own life if you are feeling “stuck” at one of the levels? What is it going to take for you to accomplish your goals, dreams, and aspirations?
