Abraham Harold Maslow was born on April 1, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York. As the eldest of seven children in a Russian-Jewish immigrant family, he faced significant pressure and isolation. His challenging relationship with his demanding and unloving mother rose,profoundly affected him and later influenced his psychological theories.
Mentorship and Education
Maslow's academic journey began with studying law at the City College of New York, but he soon shifted to psychology, inspired by his interests and dissatisfaction with law. He transferred to the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Under the mentorship of Harry Harlow, known for his experiments on attachment in rhesus monkeys, Maslow's passion for psychology deepened.
Influences
Maslow was influenced by a variety of key figures and movements:
- Harry Harlow: His mentor, whose work on attachment influenced Maslow's interest in human relationships.
- Gestalt Psychology: Max Wertheimer and Kurt Koffka's holistic approach resonated with Maslow.
- Anthropology: Ruth Benedict and Margaret Mead's work on cultural influences broadened Maslow's understanding of human behaviour.
- Alfred Adler: His focus on individual psychology and social interest impacted Maslow's views on motivation.
Development of Humanistic Psychology
Maslow grew dissatisfied with behaviourism and psychoanalysis, the dominant psychological schools of thought. He sought a more positive and holistic approach, leading to the development of humanistic psychology. This field emphasizes personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the inherent goodness of humans.
Major Contributions
Maslow's most famous contribution is the Hierarchy of Needs, a theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority order, culminating in self-actualisation. His other significant concepts include:
- Self-Actualisation: The process of realizing one's full potential.
- Peak Experiences: Transcendent moments of intense joy, creativity, and fulfillment.
- Self-Transcendence: Connecting to something greater than oneself.
Impact on Psychology
Maslow's theories revolutionised psychology by shifting the focus towards a more positive and holistic understanding of human behaviour. His work laid the groundwork for humanistic psychology and influenced fields such as education, management, and therapy, providing a framework for understanding and fostering human development.
Legacy and Continuation of His Work
Several psychologists expanded on Maslow's work:
- Carl Rogers: Developed client-centered therapy, emphasising self-actualisation.
- Martin Seligman: Pioneered positive psychology, focusing on human strengths and well-being.
- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Explored optimal experiences and intrinsic motivation through the concept of ""flow."
Later Life and Death
In his later years, Maslow continued his research and writing, exploring higher levels of his hierarchy, such as self-transcendence. Despite suffering a near-fatal heart attack in 1967, he remained active until his death on June 8, 1970.