Basic human motives. Classification of motives

Motives, classification of motives belong to the category of basic human needs. The life of a person is closely connected with the need for various actions and is subordinated to the satisfaction of basic things. The first person to talk about needs was W. McDougall. He singled out biological, social and spiritual needs among the basic needs of the individual. Another scientist who became interested in the theory of human needs is Abraham Maslow.

He developed a semantic pyramid, representing the natural needs of the individual. Classification of motives of activity implies an integral structure. All components in it are closely related.

Motives: concept, classification

Before talking about human needs, it is necessary to give the following definition. A motive is something for which any action takes place. It is known that every action has its own internal cause, which is not always understood by others. In each specific case there is an incentive to change, to somehow transform your inner world and surrounding reality. That's what motives are. Classification of motives is presented below. For convenience we will call them needs.

Physiological needs

They are familiar to each of us. The needs of the physical properties include food, sleep, the instinct of reproduction. They arise in addition to our desire and belief. In other words, it is the needs of the physical body that no one can ignore. If the person is deprived of sleep or food, then she will soon perish. The most important feature of the physical nature is that it directs the whole process of life. While basic needs remain unsatisfied, there can be no question of thinking about higher aspirations.

Personal development is possible only when a person has a roof over his head, a healthy diet and a sound sleep. Otherwise, you just have to survive. Against the backdrop of any trouble, you do not want to read books, take active steps to achieve what you want.

Need for security

Motives, the classification of motives are formed according to whether the person is experiencing any needs. Life in complete comfort suggests that the need for security is completely satisfied. What does it include? The need for security is, above all, confidence in the future, in the absence of various unpleasant surprises. If a person does not have his own apartment or even just a separate corner, it is difficult to consider it safe. Such a person will not be able to meet the needs of a higher level, she simply lacks motivation to act.

The need for love and respect

We all want to feel that we are not indifferent to our loved ones. The need for love is one of the strongest, which can bring a person into a state of prolonged frustration or make him happy. Often the cause of inadequate behavior of the person is such unmet needs. Motives, their classification shows how important it is for a person to feel needed, in demand, accepted by native people.

There is no sadder situation when an adult, an established person can not build a harmonious, trusting relationship. If the need for love and respect is not satisfied within a certain time, a person ceases to believe in the possibility of finding happiness in the future.

Social contacts

This includes the need to assess society. A person is so arranged that he can not live alone. Social contacts are necessary in order to maintain an optimistic mood, to have a fresh outlook on life. Society helps us understand that we are moving in the right direction, teaches us to experience gratitude and satisfaction.

Deprived of social interaction personality becomes apathetic, prone to melancholy and unduly susceptible to resentment. Motives for such a person are understandable, but actions can significantly harm him.

The need for self-actualization

This is the highest stage of personality development. The need for self-actualization appears usually in adolescence, in the case when the previous steps are passed. Motivation for personal growth increases if basic needs of physical properties are satisfied, as well as the need for recognition, respect from surrounding people. After that, a person begins to strive for more, namely, now he is inspired by personal development, the opportunity to fully demonstrate his talents and abilities.

Thus, the motives, the classification of motives - this is a topic worthy of a separate book. Man's life is controlled by his needs, and from them a specific chain of actions is built.