Question

Marley is in high school and very much wants to be a part of the in-crowd. According to Maslow, Marley is trying to fulfill needs. a. peer b. safety c. belongingness d. esteem

Short answer

Option c) belongingness.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's hierarchy is a psychological theory that arranges human needs in a hierarchical manner. The levels, from basic to advanced, are: physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs.

Identifying Marley's Motivation

Marley wants to be a part of the "in-crowd," which suggests she is motivated by a desire to connect with others and be accepted within a social group.

Matching Motivation to Maslow's Needs

Among the levels in Maslow's hierarchy, the need to be part of a group and accepted by peers relates to "belongingness and love." This involves forming relationships, friendships, and a sense of community.

Selecting the Correct Option

Given Marley's desire to be part of the in-crowd, the need she is trying to fulfill aligns with option (c) belongingness.

Key concepts

Psychological Theory

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a foundational concept within psychological theory that explains human motivation as a pyramid of hierarchical needs. At the base are physiological needs, such as food and water, which are essential for basic survival. As these needs are met, individuals seek to satisfy higher-level needs, such as safety, belongingness, esteem, and finally, self-actualization, where they reach their full potential.

Understanding this hierarchy helps us see why people prioritize certain goals at different times. For instance, Marley, a high school student who wants to be part of the in-crowd, is focusing on needs beyond the physiological and safety levels. By recognizing this, we gain insight into how people strive for connection and acceptance in social contexts. This theory has broad applications, influencing areas like business, education, and personal development by underscoring the progressive nature of human motivation.

Belongingness and Love Needs

The belongingness and love needs are an integral stage in Maslow's Hierarchy, emphasizing the human desire for interpersonal relationships. These needs signify an individual's quest for a sense of belonging and connection with others. Humans inherently seek companionship, friendship, and affection.

For Marley, the desire to be part of the in-crowd is indicative of these needs. Adolescents often experience a strong drive to fit in with peers, forging strong friendships and feeling accepted by social groups, which fulfills the belongingness and love tier.

This stage is crucial because it affects one's emotional health, influencing feelings of happiness, confidence, and security. When these needs aren't met, individuals may feel lonely or isolated, which can impact overall well-being.

Motivation in Psychology

Motivation in psychology explains why individuals act in certain ways and how they prioritize different actions or goals. Maslow's theory of motivation helps us understand why Marley feels compelled to align herself with her peers. Her motivation stems from wanting to fulfill her social needs, a common driving force among teens.

Motivation is multifaceted, encompassing intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In Marley's case, her motivation is more intrinsic as she seeks personal satisfaction and emotional fulfillment by being accepted by the in-crowd.

Recognizing these motivational factors illustrates the complexities behind human behavior. It guides us in fostering environments that address these needs, ultimately leading to better mental health and personal growth. Understanding motivation helps educators and parents support young people as they navigate social challenges and develop into well-rounded individuals.