Abraham Maslow | Biografía | Psicología Humanista
Abraham Maslow: A Pioneer of Humanistic Psychology
Overview of Abraham Maslow's Contributions
- Abraham Maslow was a prominent 20th-century American psychiatrist and psychologist, known for his role in promoting humanistic psychology.
- His theories focus on self-actualization, consciousness, and transcendence, with notable works including "Motivation and Personality" (1954), "Psychology of Being" (1962), and "The Psychology of Science" (1966).
Hierarchy of Needs
- Maslow proposed a hierarchical model of human needs categorized into physiological needs, safety needs, love/belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization.
- The theory suggests that lower-level needs must be satisfied before individuals can pursue higher-level needs; for example, fulfilling basic physiological requirements allows for the emergence of social or esteem-related desires.
Personal Background
- Born on April 1, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, Maslow had a challenging childhood marked by feelings of loneliness and unhappiness as he grew up in a non-Jewish neighborhood.
- He initially pursued law but shifted to psychology at the University of Wisconsin after marrying Bertha Goodman in 1928.
Academic Journey
- In 1931, he earned his master's degree in psychology followed by a doctorate in 1934. His early research focused on sexual behavior among primates under mentor Harry Harlow.
- After returning to New York City to work with Edward Thorndike at Columbia University, he began studying human sexuality and connected with influential figures like Alfred Adler.
Development of Humanistic Psychology
- By 1951, Maslow became head of the psychology department at Brandeis University where he further developed his ideas about self-actualization.
- He emerged as a leading figure in humanistic psychology during the late 1950s and early 1960s—termed the "third force" beyond behaviorism and Freudian psychoanalysis.
Legacy
- In recognition of his contributions to psychology, he received the Humanist of the Year award from Humanist Associates in 1967.