Humanistic Theory of Motivation and the Divorcee - Term Paper Example

and Number of the Teacher’s HUMANISTIC THEORY OF MOTIVATION AND THE DIVORCEE Introduction Intensive life changes take place in the event of a divorce. Even in cases where the change offers relief from unbearable suffering and hopelessness, most divorcees feel confused and incomplete as in the loss of a limb due to amputation. Mitchell (p.222) states that divorce is a “complex social phenomenon as well as a traumatic personal experience”. According to Maslow’s theory, human needs arrange themselves in a hierarchy, and individuals attempt to satisfy basic-level needs before modifying behavior to fulfill higher level needs (Gambrel & Cianci 146).

This humanistic theory of motivation helps in understanding the path followed by the divorcee, from surviving as a single person, to fulfilling needs from the most basic to achieving her highest goals. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to apply Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to a divorcee’s progression from her lowest point of parting from her husband to fulfill successive needs and ultimately achieve self-actualization and satisfaction. The Progressive Path of a Divorcee and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Subsequent to the divorce, there are at least six different painful and puzzling personal experiences occurring at the same time for the divorcee.

These include the emotional divorce as a result of a deteriorating marriage, the legal aspect based on the grounds for terminating the marriage, the economic element dealing with money and property, the co-parental factors concerning custody of children, single-parent homes and visitation rights, the changes in friends and community, and “the psychic divorce deals with the problem of regaining individual autonomy” (Mitchell 222). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, 1970 are broadly related to “physiological, safety, social, self-esteem, and self-actualization” (Gambrel & Cianci 146).

The hierarchy of needs being unmet is emphatically demonstrated by the impact that divorce proceedings have on the divorcee. Foladare (p.9) states that in an individual’s climb up Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, divorce can cause stepping down from the ladder. Because of its heavy toll on finances and family life, the main task is to use divorce as a spring-board to raise oneself to a better life and sense of well-being. For this purpose, when contemplating divorce, the individual should gain an understanding of which needs her marriage had met and which needs she had to meet outside the marriage.

Further, identifying obstacles that prevented these needs being met is also essential. Numerous core fears are triggered by the idea of divorce. “Using an irrational but understandable thought process many people equate divorce with no money, no food, no protection, no home base, and no love” (Gadoua 124). This is because of the decline in adequate funds with two households to support instead of one. The primary need for physical survival is to sustain life through food, clothing and shelter (Gambrel & Cianci 146), for which education and employment are necessary.

Divorce may cause loss of home and the termination of children’s sports, music lessons, or tutoring. Additionally, the expensive process of divorce cuts into the family’s assets and finances, resulting in a drastic change in lifestyle for the divorcee (Gadoua 124). It is essential to perceive the major change in life’s course as an opportunity for becoming self-reliant in every aspect. The divorcee should complete the education she had always aspired to accomplish towards finding her dream job.

As a single person, her duties and responsibilties may have increased several times, and her full focus and energies may be required to fulfill her need for successfully working at her new job as well as managing the home and children. Only when the above basic physiological needs are met along with those of safety, security, and protection from physical danger, can the individual feel motivated to meet their social needs related to acceptance, belonging, and meaningful relationships. To achieve these objectives, the newly divorced person should devote sufficient time and energy to build new friendships and reinforce old networks.

Through the ability to care for the self, by fulfilling one’s needs, and achieving affiliation arise the needs to attain recognition from others and self-esteem. “Only then can the individual contemplate and pursue a course which leads to self-fulfilment” (Robinson 243). Thus, gaining expertise in her job, raising her children optimally, and enjoying her daily life are important for improving her self concept. By achieving self-esteem the individual gets self-confidence, prestige, power, and control; besides a feeling of usefulness and having an effective impact on improving one’s environment.

Once self-esteem is attained, the need for self-actualization becomes predominant. “Self-actualization represents the need to maximize one’s potential and to become what one is capable of becoming” (Gambrel & Cianci 146), and it raises subjective well-being. Conclusion This paper has highlighted a divorcee’s progression from her lowest point after the divorce to her ultimate achievement of self-actualization, mastery over her own life, and personal sense of accomplishment in relation to her career as well as personal life.

The individual’s path of motivation and the changes in her needs and goals at every stage were examined. New beginnings formed a vital aspect of her journey as a single woman. Thus, it is concluded that the divorce served as a significant opportunity for the individual to pursue her own vision towards personal fulfillment and finacial security. These in turn helped in improving her self-esteem, confidence in herself, and in higher levels of subjective well-being. --------------------------------- Works Cited Foladare, Lana.

The alchemy of divorce: Embracing the journey from heartbreak to hope. Balboa Press, The United States of America. (2011). Gadoua, Susan P. Contemplating divorce: A step-by-step guide to deciding whether to stay or go. California: New Harbinger Publications. (2008). Gambrel, Patrick A. & Cianci, Rebecca. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Does it apply in a collectivist culture? Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 8.2 (2003): pp.143-161. Mitchell, Gloria S. Compassionately addressing divorce: A redemptive model of ministry to divorced Christian leaders.

Michigan: ProQuest. (2007). Robinson, Margaret. Family transformation through divorce and remarriage: A systemic approach. New York: Routledge. (1993).