Maslow established this theory in 1954 by publishing "Motivation and Personality". This was a revolutionary theory at that time, as behavioral and psychoanalytic theories dominated at that time. Behaviorism perceived man as an empty organism, constantly under the influence of external factors, interested only in his reactions and responses to given factors. Psychoanalysis perceived man as a being who is under the influence of innate instincts, conflicts of these unconscious processes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayA humanistic approach rejects behavioral learning, which perceives man as a machine that can be programmed, which neglects specific human characteristics, such as values, goals, aspirations, love, jealousy, shame, creativity, etc. This approach also rejects psychoanalytic learning, according to which human nature is evil and based on innate instincts, which do not differ from animal ones. Humanists perceive the nature of man as unique, special and authentic, aspiring to the self-realization of his potential and possibilities. The path to self-realization leads to the satisfaction of certain motivations, which is the basic theoretical setting and foundation of Maslow's theory. According to him, every individual has motivations and needs that he wants to achieve in life. Accomplishing them serves as a reward for making life worthwhile and giving it meaning. These goals are individual, innate, and between them there is a certain regularity and order, that is, a hierarchy. Looking back at some of my characteristics I can see where some of them might come from according to this theory. The first characteristics that come to mind regarding these hierarchies are: emotional stability, well-being and trust. In the first hierarchy we can find physiological needs, which include our needs for food, water, oxygen, etc. All my physiological needs are met regularly, which allows me to develop a sense of well-being. The second hierarchy is to feel a sense of security. This security was provided to me by different sources such as parents, school and society. My parents gave me a safe haven. School provides predictable structure to my life, and the society I live in is generally safe and secure. Having a constant sense of security allows me to develop greater confidence. Not being exposed to any violence or theft gives me greater trust in people. By moving forward I am able to advance to the third hierarchy, the sense of love and belonging. Humans are social creatures who require this hierarchy to be satisfied. This hierarchy is mostly fulfilled by my family. Family was the first to give me a strong sense of belonging, which in turn helped me establish relationships with other people. The fourth hierarchy is self-esteem. The need for self-esteem can be divided into two groups: the need for self-respect and the need for respect from others. Because I feel respected by other people and have confidence in myself, I have been able to develop emotional stability. Obviously I couldn't achieve emotional stability without meeting the needs earlier in the hierarchy. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The fifth and final hierarchy is self-actualization. In this hierarchy I have satisfied all my basic needs. When all the previous hierarchies are satisfied, I will finally be able to use all my potential and abilities to achieve the.