Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Whether or not it is a complete depiction of human motivation a nice source to draw ideas from for story objectives is the work by one of the founders of Humanistic Psychology, Abraham Maslow, in particular his enumeration of basic human needs:
- Physiological Needs
(food, water, oxygen, fundamental life or death needs)
- Safety Needs
(security, stability, protection)
- Belongingness and Love Needs
(giving and receiving attention)
- Esteem Needs
(achievement, confidence, independence, recognition, appreciation)
- Self-Actualisation Needs
(people doing what they are individually fitted for and so achieving peace and fulfilment)
Copyright © July 2006
Dr. Katherine Phelps