Abraham Maslow Biography

Abraham Maslow was a renowned psychologist whose biggest contribution to the field of psychology is the Maslow’s Need Hierarchy theory. He believed that all human beings strive to achieve satisfaction in life through the fulfillment of certain needs. He had an intensely sad and unhappy childhood and had to face several hurdles while growing up. His difficult childhood experiences instilled in him a sensitivity which was often reflected in his works. In spite of having an indifferent father who always belittled him and an uncaring and cruel mother who never gave him any love, the youngster grew up to be a compassionate soul who focused on the positive traits in people no matter what. His first career choice was to become a lawyer, partly influenced by his wish to impress his father. However legal studies did not suit the young man and he soon shifted to study psychology. He found mentors in the noted psychologists Alfred Adler, Max Wertheimer, and the anthropologist Ruth Benedict who deeply influenced his thinking. Maslow developed a positivist mindset and became a driving force behind the school of humanistic psychology. His major theories which were of immense significance to humanistic psychology were the hierarchy of needs, self-actualization and peak experiences.