Summary: Abraham Maslow's theories on human motivation and self-actualization have been foundational in psychology, often misrepresented by the pyramid metaphor. His "holistic-dynamic" approach describes needs as fluid and interacting, not a rigid progression. Criticisms stem from this misinterpretation, focusing on a perceived static hierarchy rather than Maslow's vision of dynamic, simultaneous need fulfillment. His later work introduced "Transpersonal Psychology," expanding into spiritual dimensions, which poses measurement challenges in academia. Brent Duncan's analysis critiques the pyramid model, advocating for dynamic representations like waves or fluctuating charts to better align with Maslow's original intent. Despite academic critique, Maslow's ideas continue to influence humanistic and integral psychology, suggesting a need for reevaluation to appreciate the complexity and flexibility of human motivation.
Discovering Holistic-Dynamic Needs Beneath a Rigid Pyramid
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- Written by Brent A Duncan, PhD
Article Index
Summary: Abraham Maslow's theories on human motivation and self-actualization have been foundational in psychology, often misrepresented by the pyramid metaphor. His "holistic-dynamic" approach describes needs as fluid and interacting, not a rigid progression. Criticisms stem from this misinterpretation, focusing on a perceived static hierarchy rather than Maslow's vision of dynamic, simultaneous need fulfillment. His later work introduced "Transpersonal Psychology," expanding into spiritual dimensions, which poses measurement challenges in academia. Brent Duncan's analysis critiques the pyramid model, advocating for dynamic representations like waves or fluctuating charts to better align with Maslow's original intent. Despite academic critique, Maslow's ideas continue to influence humanistic and integral psychology, suggesting a need for reevaluation to appreciate the complexity and flexibility of human motivation.