Theories of Motivation – Freud , Rogers , Maslow & Murray

There are differing views about what drives humans to think and behave the way they do. While the theories differ, the basis for each of them is similar, and therefore, all could be seen as derivatives of Freud’s theory of human motivation.

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) insisted that sexuality and aggression were the driving forces behind all human motivation. He theorized three areas of the mind, namely the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious. Freud argued that the material in the unconscious mind would bring feelings of fear, emotional pain or guilt. “We cannot bear to know certain things about ourselves. Therefore, we do not (consciously) know them. Yet what resides in the unconscious profoundly affects our behavior and experience, even though we do not know we are being affected”. Freud believed that our behaviors stemmed from deep-seated sexual and aggressive motivation in our identity, and were outwardly projected in a manner which was controlled by the ego and superego. These are the regulatory systems which manipulate the motivators so that we behave in a manner which is in line with our beliefs, and in ways which are acceptable to society.

Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow had similar theories about human motivation. Rogers believed that strivings were consistent with the need to obtain, thrive and advance. Rogers believed that humans have a natural internal need to advance, and that all of the needs and influences, both internal and external, dictate the course of actions and thought processes we go through toward achieving our goals. This entirety is what Rogers refers to as “the phenomenal field”.

In his theory, similar to Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow concurred that strivings for self-enhancement were indeed, the combinations of ingredients humans drew upon in their quest for self-improvement.

Maslow developed a system which demonstrates the needs in order of importance. The five tiered hierarchy puts physiological needs as the primary need, followed by safety, and above them, belongingness and love, self-esteem, and self-actualization. Maslow insisted that in order to achieve the highest level of needs, the lower level needs must first be met.

Maslow’s theory is a common sense approach, and was adequately summed up by saying that “a starving man will not act in accord with his needs for belongingness until he has secured food (physiological needs) and a safe position in life (security needs)”.

Henry Murray’s diversity theory was that we behave in ways which reflect a combination of past experiences and future goals. Murray’s theory of needs and wants were described as themas. Physiological and psychological needs interact with press, the opportunity or need for expression, to produce the thema.

Similar to Maslow’s hierarchy, Murray’s list of needs rang from viscerogenic, or physiological needs such as food and warmth, to psychogenic needs like affiliation and autonomy. Because the common denominator of all theories is that we do what we do in order to achieve and thrive, all theories of human motivation are feasible.

The theories are relevant to each other in many ways. Carl Roger’s theory perhaps are above others because it clearly suggests that in order to advance, we must first be content within ourselves.

ReferenceMcAdams, D. (2006).

The person: A new introduction to personality psychology. (4th ed.).Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.