Motivation: Why Do We Do What We Do? 99
and superficially unexplainable can be understood by examining the way in which
repressed motives express themselves in devious ways.
(a) What term describes behavior in which the unconscious motives gain temporary ascen-
dancy over the defense mechanism of repression?
(b) Linette burns her husband’s food “by accident.” This may be an example of.
Answers: (a) Acting out; (b) repressed hostility.
Self-Actualization: Becoming the Person
You Were Meant to Be
Abraham Maslow, author ofToward a Psychology of Beingand a principal advocate
of the humanistic viewpoint in psychology, presented a large-canvas description of
human motivation. This description is known as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Cognitive needs
Esteem needs
Love and belongingness needs
Safety needs
Physiological needs
The need for
self-actualization
The need for
self-actualization
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
