Toward an improved need theory: In response to legitimate criticism

Abstract

The concept of need applies to strains produced by stresses upon all living systems. Adjustment processes are directed toward the reduction of needs. Although Miller (1978) defined needs as drives, current usage is more closely related to his concept of lack. Needs represent the status of various matter-energy and information resources in accordance with the purposes of the system. Thus, the input, output, and storage subsystems are involved. Needs are also linked by theory to the decider subsystem Current popular theories of human needs suffer from many defects that threaten to undermine other need-based theories. Need is not well defined in these theories, descriptions of specific needs and need categories are ambiguous, the origin of needs is disputed, and empirical evidence offers at best only partial support for need hierarchies. A need concept properly grounded in living systems theory would correct these and other defects. Such a concept is presented, and its implications for research, for the notion of a need hierarchy, and for other need-based theories are examined.