Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Reversed

Abraham Maslow presented a theory in psychology that individuals act on motivations that are anchored on needs. As long as basic needs are met (shelter, food, clothing, safety, belongingness), a person will be motived to fulfill his maximum growth potential, thereby reaching the highest level of need, self-actualization.

There are instances, though, that a person does not need to meet his basic needs to realize higher-level needs. Hence, the order is reversed. The following are examples of a reversed application of such needs.

Example 1: Love/belonging and self-esteem needs reversed

In this fast-paced world, employees continuously need to answer to the demands of the management, oftentimes juggling multiple tasks. The pressure of work places them at a position where they do not feel the need to focus on establishing intimate relations with their family or maintaining close relationship with friends. The promotion and recognition of their work from their bosses is equated to self-worth, thereby putting little significance to establishing intimate relationships with family and friends.

Example 2: Safety and self-esteem needs reversed

The Titan Submersible exploration is an ill-fated exploration by five men who tried to visit the Titanic shipwreck using the submersible developed by OceanGate. This submersible was criticized by its design and structure because it had poor safety regulations and measures. Despite these, the five men pushed through. Minutes after descent, the sub exploded. This act of the explorers was motivated by their need to satisfy what Maslow calls ‘self-esteem’ need, that is, to gain self-worth and praise by others and be unique individuals, without regard to safety and security.

Example 3: Safety and Belonging needs reversed

Two of the explorers in the Titan Submersible expedition were father and son. The son joined the trip because he did not want to disappoint the desires of his father. His love for his father mattered more than the apparent lack of safety measures of the submersible.

Self-actualization, for me, is not letting my emotions control my actions and decisions. Being in the present and being mindful of the things and people around me helps harbor good relationship with myself and with others. Acceptance of my weaknesses is actually self-growth and a niche to do better.

Works Cited

Macleod, Saul. “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.” Simply Psychology, 24 November 2023,

www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html#Self-Actualization-Needs. Accessed 12 January 2024.

Purnell, Kristoffer. “Titan sub victims’ last moments, pictures revealed.” Philstar, 05 July 2023,

         www.philstar.com/lifestyle/on-the-radar/2023/07/05/2278895/titan-sub-victims-last-moments-pictures-revealed. Accessed 12 January 2024.