Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Kaela Krueger
Foundations of Nursing NSG300
November 17, 2014
Paulette Wollenhaupt
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Abraham Maslow is one of the leading psychologists of the twentieth century. Maslow has conveyed a psychology that encompasses higher levels of human function. Maslow takes on a humanistic approach to psychology and states his theory of human development and hierarchical needs. Maslow proposes that the individual is a unified whole. Maslow states that the ultimate desires of human beings are similar despite the multitude of longings. Essential to Maslow’s theory of motivation is that human needs are hierarchical; meaning unfulfilled lower needs lead one’s thoughts and actions until they …show more content…
Maslow’s safety needs include security, stability, protection, and freedom from fear, anxiety, and chaos.. When safety needs are not met, fear can control our daily living, ranging from daytime worry to nighttime anxiety and insomnia. Cancer patients may have fears about the way one might die or they may have anxiety about the fear of death and the end of life itself. At the extreme, fear can be completely isolating and paralyzing, making existence unbearable. Many cancer patients are afraid of dying a slow and painful death. When these symptoms develop in cancer patients, it is important to go back to the first phase of Maslow’s and relieve pain symptoms with opiate medication. Also, the commitment of pain control from the medical staff can settle patient fears. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reminds us that until such fears are addressed and relieved; progress can be halted toward improved quality of life or rising into the upper levels of the …show more content…
Maslow’s definition of self-actualization is, “the tendency to actualize one’s potency, to become more and more what one idiosyncratically is.” Transcendence is connection to others, the universe, or divinity leading to an intensification of life, a feeling of limitless possibilities, and a sense of wonder and awe.
Conclusion
The most important benefit, in our view, that the hierarchy may provide is its comprehensive reach. Symptom control, relief of fear, expression of love and esteem can have the power to inspire a patient and family to experience self-actualization and transcendence. Maslow’s approach can encompass not only the relief of distressing symptoms, but can also make explicit the opportunities to address the psychological, social, and spiritual needs, taking one away from total pain and toward human fulfillment. Maslow’s model can further open possibilities for transcendence at the end-of-life, perhaps a unique opportunity associated with this period.
References
Cassar, S., & Baldacchino, D. R. (2012). Quality of life after percutaneous coronary intervention: part 1. British Journal Of Nursing, 21(16),
Kaela Krueger
Foundations of Nursing NSG300
November 17, 2014
Paulette Wollenhaupt
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Abraham Maslow is one of the leading psychologists of the twentieth century. Maslow has conveyed a psychology that encompasses higher levels of human function. Maslow takes on a humanistic approach to psychology and states his theory of human development and hierarchical needs. Maslow proposes that the individual is a unified whole. Maslow states that the ultimate desires of human beings are similar despite the multitude of longings. Essential to Maslow’s theory of motivation is that human needs are hierarchical; meaning unfulfilled lower needs lead one’s thoughts and actions until they …show more content…
Maslow’s safety needs include security, stability, protection, and freedom from fear, anxiety, and chaos.. When safety needs are not met, fear can control our daily living, ranging from daytime worry to nighttime anxiety and insomnia. Cancer patients may have fears about the way one might die or they may have anxiety about the fear of death and the end of life itself. At the extreme, fear can be completely isolating and paralyzing, making existence unbearable. Many cancer patients are afraid of dying a slow and painful death. When these symptoms develop in cancer patients, it is important to go back to the first phase of Maslow’s and relieve pain symptoms with opiate medication. Also, the commitment of pain control from the medical staff can settle patient fears. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reminds us that until such fears are addressed and relieved; progress can be halted toward improved quality of life or rising into the upper levels of the …show more content…
Maslow’s definition of self-actualization is, “the tendency to actualize one’s potency, to become more and more what one idiosyncratically is.” Transcendence is connection to others, the universe, or divinity leading to an intensification of life, a feeling of limitless possibilities, and a sense of wonder and awe.
Conclusion
The most important benefit, in our view, that the hierarchy may provide is its comprehensive reach. Symptom control, relief of fear, expression of love and esteem can have the power to inspire a patient and family to experience self-actualization and transcendence. Maslow’s approach can encompass not only the relief of distressing symptoms, but can also make explicit the opportunities to address the psychological, social, and spiritual needs, taking one away from total pain and toward human fulfillment. Maslow’s model can further open possibilities for transcendence at the end-of-life, perhaps a unique opportunity associated with this period.
References
Cassar, S., & Baldacchino, D. R. (2012). Quality of life after percutaneous coronary intervention: part 1. British Journal Of Nursing, 21(16),