The relationship among deficiency needs and growth needs: An empirical investigation of Maslow's theory (original) (raw)

Children and Youth Services Review, 2012

Abstract

ABSTRACT Maslow's (1954) influential theory suggests that children's ability to be motivated by “growth needs” (e.g., academic achievement) first requires satisfaction of “deficiency needs” (e.g., safety needs, love/belonging needs). Given the vast number of children experiencing deficiency needs, a better understanding of these relationships can serve as a prerequisite for establishing conditions that maximize learning outcomes. In this study, we examined Maslow's model by testing the relationship between deficiency needs variables and growth needs variables. Our sample was comprised of 390 economically disadvantaged students attending more than 40 schools in a Midwestern state in the U.S. Deficiency needs were measured using factors derived from a parent survey and growth needs were measured using factors derived from a parent survey and results from an individually-administered norm-referenced achievement test. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between a set of two deficiency needs variables (i.e., safety needs and love/belonging needs) and four academic achievement outcome variables. All four regression models were significant, revealing a positive relationship between deficiency needs and growth needs. The factor most significantly related to achievement outcomes was access to health and dental care (a safety need). Implications for research and practice are discussed.

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