Maslow's Nursing Needs



Posted: Monday, December 06, 2010

by Francine Cook
Menopause Answers

Believing that contemporary conditioning theories inadequately illustrated human development, Abraham H. Maslow penned his 1943 paper entitled "A Theory of Human Motivation." Maslow indicated his theory that the prospect of goal attainment influences human behavior. Additionally, one single behavior could boast several functions. Going to a festival for instance, could pacify one's desire for both self-esteem and socialization. A cozy restaurant can provide one with both shelter and sustenance, and a marriage can provide one with both sex and social needs.

Of his many useful observations, Maslow noted one fundamental trend during his study of monkeys in his early years. Some needs are more important than others. For instance, the need to satisfy hunger is more important than the need for social fulfillment. Maslow noted that hunger is a stronger motivator. Consequently, a thirsty person will pursue water far before he or she attempts to engage in sexual activity. Simply stated, thirst is a more powerful desire. Of these physiological needs, there seemed to be a pattern emerging. Maslow discovered that not all needs are equal.

As Maslow developed his research, he established the "hierarchy of needs," a five-level period that is structurally similar to a food pyramid. The lower levels consisted of physiological necessities, while the top level regarded growth. For Maslow, he believed that lower levels had to be met before higher-order needs could affect behavior. If someone is starving, he or she is unlikely to perform well in social situations until those needs are adequately satisfied.

These thoughts resulted in Maslow's hierarchy. Pooling from his observations about the needs of oxygen, food, sex and water, he created a broad layer: the needs for security, love and belonging. Then he examined the need for esteem, and the final need for self-actualization. Maslow's theory has greatly impacted nursing theory. Largely used in understanding the needs of patients, Maslow's hierarchy has been pervasive in the practice. In addition to the developmental thoughts of Erik Erikson, the hierarchy has contributed to the implementation of the "needs" approach to nursing care. This theoretical frame-work promotes the nurse's role in helping patient's meet both physiological and psychosocial necessities. While not as pervasive as it once was, the "needs" approach is still utilized by nurses in many contexts.

But nursing is not the only healthcare field in which Maslow's theory pervades. Human resource management also utilizes the hierarchy. Quality assurance, job satisfaction and employee exhaustion are issues in which HR professionals may use a similar "needs" approach. Promoting Maslow's hierarchy within human resource manager's discourse can aid in their dealing with problems within the healthcare environment. Maslow's hierarchy can potentially provide a sensible explanation for a wide range of behaviors that is not limited to the nursing profession.

However, a problem exists with Maslow's theory in that it can not be substantiated empirically. Motivation and behavior, and the relationship between these two ideas are far more complicated than Maslow's theory indicates. A simultaneity of motives exists. Higher needs are occasionally not pursued even when lower needs are met, and people often exude behaviors associated with higher-levels even when lower levels are not met.

A wide range of needs exists, and individual values influence which ones are of the utmost importance. While the hierarchy is a useful tool, it is largely a product of culture. Maslow's theory can be used in practice, but must be met with skepticism and critical thought.

Francine Cook is a retired ex-nurse with two teenage granddaughters who now writes articles on health-related issues. Francine is the editor-in-chief of acne-treatment-help.info. Learn more about Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Abraham Maslow.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 145 days ago.
152 fans.
I enjoyed your article! I agree that the relationship between motivation and behavior is more complicated that Maslow realized.
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