Andrew, a fourth grader, is showing signs commonly seen in young children experiencing depression. Despite the fact that he is successful in his academics, has a healthy home-life and has all of his physical needs met, he does not appear to have any friends. He cries often for reasons that are unapparent and wanders off to sit away from the other students during lunch and recess. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs are likely not being met and are, therefore, hindering his self-actualization?
Explanation
Answer: C - According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, it is likely that Andrew’s belongingness and love needs are not being met and are, therefore, hindering his self-actualization. The hierarchy dictates that students’ belongingness and love needs are satisfied by participation in healthy, positive relationships with family members, peers and other individuals that they connect with emotionally. Whenever belongingness and love needs are satisfied, an individual can then begin to seek ways to fulfill their esteem needs. Without this satisfaction, it is likely that the esteem needs will not be met either; thus, self-actualization cannot be obtained. Self-actualization involves feelings of fulfillment coupled with developments in specific areas of personal growth.
