Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological concept that details a series of five innate things the human psyche needs in order to be fulfilled. These needs are organized in a step-by-step fashion, in order from most to least important; the goal is to determine how a human’s development and motivation grows, depending on what he needs. This framework can be used to explain or elucidate upon a number of interactions between human beings, and even characters in films. The 2008 children’s film Kung Fu Panda, for example, demonstrates all of these needs in great detail.
First and foremost, there is the physiological need – these are the most important, fundamental needs a human is motivated to fulfill before he or she can move on to the rest. Physiological needs include making sure one has air, water, food and shelter; these are the biological requirements for survival, and must be fulfilled first in order for the body to function (Maslow 1943, p. 370). In Kung Fu Panda, the physiological need is maintained in the beginning through Po’s occupation as a noodle chef; this occupation helps ensure the people’s need for food and sustenance is maintained. In the case of my own future nursing career, physiological needs would be my primary priority, as my expertise would deal with the continued health of my patients. I would make sure they are eating the appropriate amounts of the right kinds of food and water.
Next, the need for safety must be fulfilled. Once humans have what they need to survive, they must be able to protect themselves and maintain their safety and peace of mind. This sense of safety can include the safety of one’s own well-being and those of the ones they love, their financial security, and their overall health (Maslow 1943, p. 372). This is the need to feel safe; if humans do not feel safe, they experience a great deal of stress and trauma. The safety of the valley is a prime concern in Kung Fu Panda, as the escape of Tai Lung from prison threatens the lives of the Furious Five and the people of the valley. Part of safety involves taking care of the body, so I would also look at future clients in my nursing practice to make sure they are taken care of if they have a health-related issue.
The third level of needs is love and belonging; once a human feels safe, they must also feel like the belong where they are. As social creatures, humans crave approval from their fellow man, friends and family. To that end, their motivation in this stage is to gather friends and family, and to cultivate intimate relationships with others. The absence of fulfillment of this need leads to ostracism and loneliness, as well as depression and social anxiety (Maslow 1943, p. 374). Po’s father’s adoration of him allows Po to fulfill his need for love and belonging. In my nursing practice, I will make sure to maintain clients’ sense of belonging by making them feel comfortable in our workplace, making sure they can trust me to open up about their medical issues.
The fourth level of needs is esteem; once a human being belongs in their group, or feels loved, they must then work on their own regard for self. Self-esteem is very important to human beings; they must have a positive self-image, or else they will suffer from depression and other levels of neglect. Inferiority complexes and a feeling of weakness may also occur if people do not have an appropriate level of self-esteem (Maslow 1943, p. 376). Po has very little self-esteem in the beginning, dreaming of being “awesome” and being respected by his peers. Though he does not feel that way at that point, the film’s journey sees him learning respect for himself. I wish to maintain my clients’ esteem in my nursing practice by maintaining a good rapport with them, and ensuring that their efforts are met with positive reinforcement by me.
The fifth and final level of needs is self-actualization; after a human being cultivates their positive self-image, it is important that they work to reach their full potential. This is where man’s goals become more individual and less general; people have different hopes and dreams, and the self-actualization stage is where they become fulfilled. They may wish to fulfill athletic, artistic, economic or familial desires, all of which can vary depending on the individual’s personality and experiences (Maslow 1943, p. 379). In Kung Fu Panda, Po’s self-actualization is realized when he becomes one of the Furious Five, as he wants to use his life to become a fierce kung fu warrior. I believe that my work with clients will grant them the fulfillment of the first four needs well enough so that they can achieve their own highly personal self-actualization, but I am more than happy to listen to them if they ever need some advice or someone to talk to about these goals. If they are diet or fitness goals, I am more than happy to offer an informed opinion.
References
Maslow, A. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review 50(4): 370-396.
Stevenson, J.W., & Osborne, M. (dirs.). (2008). Kung fu panda. Paramount Pictures.
