Ascent and Descent in Maslow’s Theory

Abstract

This article critiques the notion that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a one-way linear trend from lower to higher levels. It introduces the idea of a contrast between abundance and deficiency motivation and uses this to suggest that the usual table of needs can be split into two vertically. At each level, we have a choice between abundance (being) motivation and deficiency motivation, and we have to take responsibility for this.