Question

Doug's family is very poor, so he often goes to school with no breakfast and a very small lunch packet.

According to Maslow, Doug is failing his classes because what type of needs are not being met?
A) Aesthetic needs.
B) Deficiency needs.
C) Growth needs.
D) Self-actualization needs.

Answer 1

Doug's B. Deficiency needs are not being met.

Step-by-step explanation:

Maslow divides his hierarchy pyramid in 5 levels:

1. Physiological
2. Safety
3. Belonging/ love
4. Esteem
5. Self-actualization

The first 4 levels are known as deficiency needs, while the fifth level is knows as a growth need.

In this case, Doug's deficiency needs are not being met because his family is poor and he cannot satisfy his physiological need of getting food. It is possible he cannot satisfy his safety needs as well.

Once he can satisfy the basic needs, he can "jump" from one level to the next in order to be able to have good grades.