Basic Human Needs and Their Role in Altruism and Aggression

Abstract

A number of psychological theories include assumptions about central human needs. A few theories have focused on universal human needs. However, even though the need theories of Maslow and Murray are part of most personality psychology textbooks, human needs theory has not gained much prominence in psychology. Perhaps the reason is that the role of human needs in psychological functioning has not been extensively examined. If there are basic, universal psychological needs, they must have a substantial role in human life. The purpose of this chapter is to offer a conception of basic psychological needs. They are important for this book because, in my view, the frustration of basic needs is central in the development of hostility and aggression, while their fulfillment is central in the development of caring about other people's welfare and altruism. While the work presented in this book is in no way dependent on a conception of basic needs, I believe that such a conception provides a useful framework for understanding helping and harm-doing. basic psychological needs One of the deepest concerns of psychologists and some other social scientists has been the identification of the springs of human action. What moves us to action and/or determines the direction of our strivings? Our motives, described by concepts like needs, desires, aims, goals and aspirations, not only shape our actions, but their fulfillment or frustration also deeply affect our inner life, our experience of ourselves and the world. Basic needs are conceptualized here as the most fundamental motives.