Keynote Presentation International Positive Psychology Association 7th IPPA World Congress 2021

Reimagining Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (#90)

Scott Kaufman 1
  1. Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, NEW YORK, United States

Over 70 years ago, Abraham Maslow put forward an integrated theory of human motivation that still captures the public imagination. Still, integration with modern theory and research in positive psychology remains elusive. In this talk, I will present a revised hierarchy of needs that is supported by recent research, and incorporates Maslow’s writings on the importance of self-transcendence, which preoccupied him the last few years of his life. I will also introduce the Characteristics of Self-Actualization Scale (CSAS) which measures 10 core aspects of self-actualization as proposed by Maslow. I will show that those reporting more characteristics of self-actualization are more likely to be motivated by growth, exploration, and love of humanity rather than the fulfillment of deficiencies in basic needs. I will also show linkages between the characteristics of self-actualization and modern personality science. I will show how Maslow’s motivational framework can be easily integrated into modern day approaches to personality and wellbeing, and serve as an organizing framework for the entire field of positive psychology.

  • Keywords: Motivation