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Measuring Maslow's hierarchy of needs
1Psychology Program, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Galloway, NJ 08205-9441, USA. lesterd@stockton.edu
Psychological Reports
|December 18, 2013
Summary
This study found that two scales measuring Maslow's hierarchy of needs in college students showed little agreement. Maslow's theory also had limited support regarding need deprivation predicting psychopathology.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Human Needs Theory
Background:
- Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a foundational theory in psychology.
- Two scales exist to measure these needs in college students: Lester (1990) and Strong & Fiebert (1987).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the validity and reliability of two existing scales measuring Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
- To examine the relationship between need deprivation and psychopathology in college students.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 51 college students completed both the Lester and Strong & Fiebert scales.
- Correlational analysis was used to compare scale scores.
- Regression analysis was employed to test the predictive relationship between need deprivation and psychopathology (mania, depression).
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations were found only for the physiological needs measures between the two scales.
- Limited empirical support was found for Maslow's hypothesis that unmet needs predict psychological distress, specifically mania and depression.
Conclusions:
- The two scales measuring Maslow's hierarchy of needs show limited congruence, questioning their interchangeable use.
- Maslow's theory regarding need deprivation as a predictor of specific psychopathologies requires further investigation in student populations.
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