Assessing Maslow's Pyramid from a Brain-based Perspective
In order to understand the human condition, one must first understand what it is that motivates humans. It follows that we must then look to the motivator, the brain. The human brain works in such a way as to satisfy a series of needs. Abraham H. Maslow's theory of human motivation (1954) explains the sequence by which humans move through levels of concentration so as to best satisfy these needs. Maslow's pyramid (1954), a five-tiered structure, represents a summary of this theory. Maslow (1954) postulates that in order for one to focus his/her attention on the ultimate goal at the apex of the pyramid, self-actualization, one must first fulfill the needs at the subordinate levels. At the lowest level of the chart are the physiological needs, followed by the need for safety, the belongingness and love needs, the esteem needs, and finally culminating in self-actualization. This paper will demonstrate how various brain mechanisms work to satisfy each echelon of needs, and further, how as all lesser needs are met, the individual may refocus his/her concentration to ascend the hierarchy towards self-actualization. According to Maslow's pyramid, the basest of human needs are physiological, in particular homeostasis and appetite.
In the event that one resides in a civilized society (i.e., one in which all subordinate needs in Maslow's pyramid are met fairly consistently) (s)he may have the luxury of pursuing the esteem needs. According to Maslow (1954), self esteem is attained when one feel competent and also when one's peers recognize that competency. The need for esteem is not one which is met in a simple manner. In order to achieve self-esteem, an individual must make conscious decisions which are conducive to meeting feelings of competency. In order to be competent, to achieve, one must also be able to plan prospective actions, an activity carried out by the Supplementary Motor Area (Carter 1998). Once an individual has made a plan, (s)he must be able to focus on the task at hand. The anterior cingulate cortex dictates this ability (Carter 1998). Once an individual has planned and effectively carried out a task, his/her ability is hopefully recognized by his/her peers, thus creating self-esteem within him/her. The human brain releases the chemicals dopamine and oxytocin, which contribute to fulfilling what Maslow (1954) deemed the "belongingness and love needs" (Maslow, 1954, 43). Dopamine, in association with the chemical phenylethylamine, has been said to induce the euphoria one feels in the initial stages of love (Carter 1998 ). Oxytocin, which has been associated with the feeling of relaxation that results from orgasm (Carter 1998) and which is also released during the terminal stages of childbirth (Carter 1998), creates a "warm, floaty, loving feeling that encourages pair bonding" (Carter, 1998, 76). In intimate relationships such as those shared by sexual partners and by mother and child, it is necessary to create a feeling of love and belonging. The brain works to ensure that this occurs via the use of these chemicals. All needs in Maslow's pyramid are prelude to the need for self-actualization. Although self-actualization
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