2006/12/01 by Mark E. Koltko-Rivera · 2 citations
Social Sciences · Psychology · #Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology #Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction #Cultural Differences and Values #Maslow's hierarchy of needs #Need theory #Psychology #Unification #Transcendence (philosophy) #Self #Social psychology #Spirituality #Self-actualization #Reinterpretation #Hierarchy #Epistemology #Mainstream #Humanistic psychology #Humanism #Philosophy
paper · doi:10.1037/1089-2680.10.4.302
openalex publication_date 2006/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
The conventional description of Abraham Maslow's (1943 , 1954 ) hierarchy of needs is inaccurate as a description of Maslow's later thought. Maslow (1969a) amended his model, placing self-transcendence as a motivational step beyond self-actualization. Objections to this reinterpretation are considered. Possible reasons for the persistence of the conventional account are described. Recognizing self-transcendence as part of Maslow's hierarchy has important consequences for theory and research: (a) a more comprehensive understanding of worldviews regarding the meaning of life; (b) broader understanding of the motivational roots of altruism, social progress, and wisdom; (c) a deeper understanding of religious violence; (d) integration of the psychology of religion and spirituality into the mainstream of psychology; and (e) a more multiculturally integrated approach to psychological theory.