Basically a guy named Maslow created the “Hierarch of Needs” in 1943. It summarizes the basic needs of humans. It is most commonly presented in a pyramid. At the bottom of the pyramid are basic needs, and at the top there are more complex need of a person. As humans progress up the pyramid, the needs become more psychological and social. Near the top, the need for self-esteem and personal accomplishment become more important. Maslow liked the idea of self-actualization which is the idea of growing as a person to achieve individual achievements. Maslow believed that the types of need were physiological, security, social and esteem. These needs are deficiency needs (D-needs). The highest part of the pyramid is growth needs. Growth needs don’t come from a lack of something, but for the need as growing as a human.
To look at a way this relates to Angel, I’ll go through each need to see if it relates to way he acts. Physiological: well, he has food (even though as a vampire he doesn’t need it), water and air. So I don’t think this is it.
Security: Maybe. As a human he had incredibly less security than as a vampire. As a vampire, he could pretty much do anything. But now that he’s human, he’s just like everyone else.
Social: The difference between social and security pretty much explains Angel’s behaviors. When Angel is human he has the love he’s always desired for with Buffy, so this area is met. However, when Angel is human, he loses his security. So it looks like Angel acted the way he did because he lost the security he needed. This is interesting. I may have to re-think my thesis… This is how people get out of abusive relationships, they realize that they’ve lost their security and safety over love.
Esteem and growth: There isn’t really a need to cover these because it’s clear that Angel falls between the security and social needs.
http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/hierarchyneeds.htm
Cherry, Kendra. "Hierarchy of Needs." Ask.com:Psychology . N.p., 01JAN2010. Web. 10 Oct 2010.
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