Chapter #8
Maslow Holistic-Dynamic Theory
Overview of Holistic-Dynamic Theory
Abraham Maslow presented his personality theory in many ways, such as humanistic theory,
self-actualization theory, and the third force in psychology. However, he preferred the name
holistic-dynamic theory.This theory explains that a person should be understood as a whole, not
in parts. Maslow believed that human behavior is always motivated by different needs, and
people naturally have the ability to grow toward psychological health, which he called self-
actualization. According to Maslow, a person cannot reach self-actualization directly. First, they
must satisfy basic needs like hunger, safety, love, and respect. Only when these needs are mostly
fulfilled can a person move toward becoming their best self.
Third Force in Psychology
Maslow’s theory is considered part of the third force in psychology.
First force → Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud)
Second force → Behaviorism (John B. Watson)
Third force → Humanistic theories (Maslow and others)
Maslow studied both psychoanalysis and behaviorism. He respected them but also criticized
them because they focused too much on problems, disorders, or behavior, and ignored healthy,
positive human potential. Maslow believed that humans are not just driven by instincts or
environment—they also have a higher nature, including creativity, growth, and goodness.
Brief Biography of Maslow
Maslow’s life deeply influenced his theory. He had a very difficult and unhappy childhood. He
felt lonely, shy, and emotionally disturbed. His relationship with his parents, especially his
mother, was very negative, which affected his personality. Because of social rejection and
discrimination, he spent a lot of time reading books and focusing on education. Later, he studied
psychology and became interested in both Freud’s ideas and behaviorism. He worked with
famous psychologists and was influenced by thinkers like:
Karen Horney
Erich Fromm
Alfred Adler
, These influences helped him develop his own unique theory focusing on healthy and self-
actualizing individuals.
Maslow’s View of Motivation
Maslow explained motivation with several important ideas. First, he believed in a holistic
approach, meaning the whole person is motivated, not just one part. A person’s behavior usually
comes from multiple motives at the same time. Second, motivation is complex. For example, a
simple action like studying may be driven by different needs such as success, respect, or power.
Third, people are always motivated by some need. When one need is satisfied, it loses
importance, and another need takes its place. Fourth, Maslow believed that all humans share
the same basic needs, even if different cultures fulfill them in different ways. Finally, he said
that needs are arranged in a hierarchy, meaning some needs are more basic and must be satisfied
before others.
Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s most famous concept is the Hierarchy of Needs, where needs are arranged from
lowest to highest. Lower needs must be mostly satisfied before higher needs become important.
The five main levels are:
Physiological needs → food, water, air, sleep
Safety needs → security, protection, stability
Love and belongingness → friendship, family, relationships
Esteem needs → respect, confidence, achievement
Self-actualization → reaching full potential and creativity
Lower needs have priority (prepotency) over higher ones. For example, a hungry person will
focus on food, not on respect or creativity.
Physiological Needs
These are the most basic needs necessary for survival, such as food, water, and oxygen. If these
needs are not satisfied, a person becomes completely focused on fulfilling them. These needs are:
the strongest
repeatedly required
and can be fully satisfied (for example, eating until full)
Maslow Holistic-Dynamic Theory
Overview of Holistic-Dynamic Theory
Abraham Maslow presented his personality theory in many ways, such as humanistic theory,
self-actualization theory, and the third force in psychology. However, he preferred the name
holistic-dynamic theory.This theory explains that a person should be understood as a whole, not
in parts. Maslow believed that human behavior is always motivated by different needs, and
people naturally have the ability to grow toward psychological health, which he called self-
actualization. According to Maslow, a person cannot reach self-actualization directly. First, they
must satisfy basic needs like hunger, safety, love, and respect. Only when these needs are mostly
fulfilled can a person move toward becoming their best self.
Third Force in Psychology
Maslow’s theory is considered part of the third force in psychology.
First force → Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud)
Second force → Behaviorism (John B. Watson)
Third force → Humanistic theories (Maslow and others)
Maslow studied both psychoanalysis and behaviorism. He respected them but also criticized
them because they focused too much on problems, disorders, or behavior, and ignored healthy,
positive human potential. Maslow believed that humans are not just driven by instincts or
environment—they also have a higher nature, including creativity, growth, and goodness.
Brief Biography of Maslow
Maslow’s life deeply influenced his theory. He had a very difficult and unhappy childhood. He
felt lonely, shy, and emotionally disturbed. His relationship with his parents, especially his
mother, was very negative, which affected his personality. Because of social rejection and
discrimination, he spent a lot of time reading books and focusing on education. Later, he studied
psychology and became interested in both Freud’s ideas and behaviorism. He worked with
famous psychologists and was influenced by thinkers like:
Karen Horney
Erich Fromm
Alfred Adler
, These influences helped him develop his own unique theory focusing on healthy and self-
actualizing individuals.
Maslow’s View of Motivation
Maslow explained motivation with several important ideas. First, he believed in a holistic
approach, meaning the whole person is motivated, not just one part. A person’s behavior usually
comes from multiple motives at the same time. Second, motivation is complex. For example, a
simple action like studying may be driven by different needs such as success, respect, or power.
Third, people are always motivated by some need. When one need is satisfied, it loses
importance, and another need takes its place. Fourth, Maslow believed that all humans share
the same basic needs, even if different cultures fulfill them in different ways. Finally, he said
that needs are arranged in a hierarchy, meaning some needs are more basic and must be satisfied
before others.
Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s most famous concept is the Hierarchy of Needs, where needs are arranged from
lowest to highest. Lower needs must be mostly satisfied before higher needs become important.
The five main levels are:
Physiological needs → food, water, air, sleep
Safety needs → security, protection, stability
Love and belongingness → friendship, family, relationships
Esteem needs → respect, confidence, achievement
Self-actualization → reaching full potential and creativity
Lower needs have priority (prepotency) over higher ones. For example, a hungry person will
focus on food, not on respect or creativity.
Physiological Needs
These are the most basic needs necessary for survival, such as food, water, and oxygen. If these
needs are not satisfied, a person becomes completely focused on fulfilling them. These needs are:
the strongest
repeatedly required
and can be fully satisfied (for example, eating until full)
