Case Study of Developmental Theories

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be presented in a pyramid, featuring the most basic and necessary needs for survival in the bottom levels. The hierarchy of needs says that we must fulfil our needs in a particular order; the lowest level must be fulfilled first before being able to move up the pyramid.

Reference: http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

The first level of the hierarchy is the physiological needs, which include, the need for food, water, shelter and warmth. Most people should achieve this as a baby. These are the needs that are necessary for survival. Without these it is impossible for a human to function.
The second level of the hierarchy is safety needs, which include, the need for security (financially, personally), health and wellbeing, stability and freedom from fear. This level can only begin to be achieved after the first level is fulfilled. This level is generally achieved during childhood. Without safety needs, people can experience disorders such as posttraumatic stress and a lower standard of living.
The third level of Maslow’s hierarchy of need is love and belonging. This level is usually achieved anywhere from mid-childhood to early adulthood. This need can sometimes come before the for security and safety or even physiological needs , particularly for children. Certain circumstances may hinder a child’s ability to make friends and other significant relationships. These circumstances can include hospitalisation and neglect. It is important for people to feel accepted and to feel like they belong. Without theses feelings, it’s easier for people to become subject to depression, feeling lonely and anxiety.
Esteem needs make up the fourth level of the hierarchy. This is a need to be respected, by t...

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...wrong, causing them to feel guilty. A parent who causes a child to feel guilty too much of the time will have a negative impact on the child, hence there must be a balance between the amount of initiative and guilt a child has. During this stage a child begins to have a sense of purpose.
Accomplishment / Industry vs. Inferiority follows on from the previous stage at about the age of six to twelve years old.

Works Cited

McLeod, S. A. 2007, Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. Retrieved 27 February 2014
From http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html http://www.learning-theories.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs.html Edwards, L. 2014 Mental Development and Education. Retrieved 1 March 2014
From http://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/DLiT/2000/Piaget/stages.htm

McLeod, S. A. 2008, Erik Erikson. Retrieved 6 March 2014
From http://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html