Maslow Group Discussion Board - Essay Example

Maslow Group Discussion Board The Maslow’s hierarchy of Needs theory provides a good interpretation of how our preferences and choices change duringthe course of life, and hence, can be termed as a foundation theory. The perspective of family, for instance, changed as I grew up from an infant to a teenager and further to an adult. Family was the most important to me when I was a child for the sake of food, shelter and basic needs that I could not fulfill otherwise. These needs changed to the need of belongingness and love as I grew and had difficult situations to deal with.

Family was no longer needed for mere safety and provider of basic needs but rather was a source of identity, love and affection that builds up our confidence and pulls us out of emotional distresses and other issues. I believe that education provides me with an opportunity to fulfill my belongingness and esteem needs. When I approach a student, client or colleague I go for the person I would like to associate myself with. A person who does not possess a personality that matches mine is clearly not a person I would want myself to identify with.

I have a group of friends and I feel comfortable, confident and loved when they are around. Our success, individually or in a group situation, gives a sense of achievement to us. However, if the group or an individual involves in a negative or socially unacceptable behavior, I would distant myself from him and/or the group as it conflicts with my self-image, reputation and prestige. Similarly, after graduating, I will have a job and would associate myself with people of the same caliber. This is how society moves and we shift up the hierarchy of needs as proposed by Maslow.

When working with diver students, my goal is to keep my self-respect up and to help them grow. I seek to gain personal experience of their individualistic attitude and behaviors. I feel self-motivated to help them and seek respect from them and others in return.