Introduction
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a widely known psychological theory even to individuals who have not studied psychology. It suggests that as human being we are motivated to do what we do in order to achieve certain needs. The theory suggests that this hierarchy of needs is achieved in a systematic order and that without achieving the most basic needs and individual may not be able to progress into other needs higher in the hierarchy (Koltko-Rivera, 2006). The following essay provides an exploration of the author’s results from the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs test and personal views and opinions of the hierarchy of needs.
After taking the hierarchy of needs test, it is my opinion that the test is quite accurate. The results of the test accurately described what I feel is my life right now. The results are as follows; self-actualization 43 percent, esteem needs 54 percent, love needs 34 percent, safety needs 54 percent and physiological needs 44 percent. Regardless of feeling that the test has a high level of accuracy I was surprised that the physiological needs are as low as 44 percent. I feel that my physiological needs could have had a higher score since I believe that I have most of the physiological necessities I require. I was also surprised that I scored so high on esteem. Having had esteem issues for a long period and having them periodically recur up to date I would have expected to have scored lower on esteem. Scoring 54 percent does, however, make me feel that I am not as badly of when it comes to matters of esteem as I think. Nonetheless, I do plan to do the test again in order to determine the changes that will have occurred then.
Conclusion
I am a great support of the hierarchy of needs theory. The theory seems evident in most of the people's lives. For example, the man begging on the street doesn't care about you thinking his not looking good he cares more about whether he will get food. I, however, am not so sure about the recent addition to the hierarchy of needs of self-transcendence. I feel that seeking peak experiences is part of self-actualization and lack to see the need for it to be classified as a separate entity.
References
Koltko-Rivera, M.E. (2006) Rediscovering the Later Version of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Self-Transcendence and Opportunities for Theory, Research, and Unification. Review of General Psychology, 10(4), 302-317.
