creating a better learning environment

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Psychologists have devised many theories and models to explain human behaviour. One of the most widely used is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The chart on the next page illustrates the theory.

Each item on the chart is a human need; however, Maslow claims that some are more basic than others and must be met before less basic needs can be satisfied. The two categories at the bottom of the chart, Physiological Needs and Security Needs, are also known as basic or deficiency needs. If a woman lacks these things, she will not be able meet needs higher on the scale. For instance, if a woman lacks food, self-esteem and love, she will demand food first, as it is an even more basic need than self-esteem or love.

Maslow's theory is useful for educators, counsellors and psychologists as it helps us understand why, for instance, a woman may have difficulty getting or taking advantage of an education. If an adult woman does not have a home because she left a violent partner, her ability to concentrate in class may be greatly impaired. She must meet her need for shelter and security before she can work on self-actualization or meaningfulness, which are growth needs in Maslow's hierarchy. If a woman was abused by a teacher when she was a child, she may not feel safe and secure in classroom situations and may drop out of school.

The need for order and protection and to be safe from danger and threats is the second rung of Maslow's hierarchy. Women who are still recovering from child sexual abuse may have flashback memories of the abuse, and thus experience or re-experience the terror of that abuse. Although living in a safe environment now, they remember when they were not safe. If the memory comes to a student in the context of a classroom, she may well be terrified and gripped by panic.

Survivors of child sexual abuse may be constantly on guard as the normal, everyday environment is full of things that remind a survivor what she has suffered. A sudden noise, certain footsteps, a voice, a smell, gesture or attitude could startle her, triggering memories that are difficult to deal with. A survivor will probably spend her energy overcoming her fear and reclaiming her safety and be unable to focus on her class work. While these associative triggers can't necessarily be avoided or changed, the response to the survivor can change. Educator awareness is the first step. Reassuring a student that she is safe is mandatory.

Safety is a complex issue for women who are living with a batterer. He may stalk her outside the classroom or be there when she gets off the bus. She may be unsafe in her own home if she still lives with her abuser. He could punch, kick, or rape her at any time. She walks on egg shells. School may be her only safe place. If she trusts her teacher or instructor, she might ask for help which could include developing a safety plan.