Basic Psychological Needs in Childhood and Adolescence

Abstract

In this article, four basic psychological needs, derived from psychological basic research, are presented. These are the needs for orientation and control, pleasure gain/distress avoidance, self esteem protection, and attachment. It is argued, that the satisfaction or violation of these needs has a main impact on the development of children and adolescents. To take these needs into account in various areas of pedagogical and psychosocial work gives good opportunities to help children and adolescents developing in a desired direction. The use of this concept is helpful in western societies as well as in developing countries. Keywords: basic psychological needs, child development, adolescence, attachment Basic Psychological NeedsThere is a long tradition of thinking about basic psychological needs in psychology, starting with Freud (1905) and Adler (1917). The most well-known concept of basic needs may be that of Maslow (1954). It was a hierarchic model: only in case the physical needs of someone are satisfied, he or she begins to care about psychological needs and only in case these are satisfied humans start caring about spiritual needs. These older concepts of basic needs were not really empirically grounded. The American psychologist Epstein (1990) then developed a concept of basic psychological needs, which was founded on the empirical findings of psychological research. Grawe (2006) elaborated this concept in a much extended way and published path-breaking works about the importance of this concept for understanding human behavior and even more to help patients with severe psychological problems. In their publications, Grawe and his team always strengthened the point that their work is all about adult persons (patients). Regarding this, we started some research and work on transmitting this concept for the psychosocial work with children and adolescents Borg-Laufs, 2012).In this model, there are four psychological needs highlighted. These are the needs for -orientationen/control, -self esteem protection, -pleasure gain/distress avoidance, -attachment.

Analysis of the Psychological Needs and Coping Strategies of the Current Chinese Teenagers

“…As for those psychological needs related to the family education, the effective starting point seems to be improving the parent-child relationship and changing the family education mode. Some experts say that schools or relevant professional institutions can provide counselling services for parents, and work with school teachers and psychological counsellors to discuss more effective implementation strategies of family education according to children's different characteristics and psychological needs [19]. By doing so, we can reduce the conflict between the two educational models and the negative impact of such conflict on teenagers and provide timely but practical support and help to children at the right time according to their different needs.…”

“…They need a relatively free space to realize a certain degree of independent choice to think, release pressure or emotions and promote independent development [13]. A significant attempt to meet their need for independence is to gradually break away from the complete control of their parents and teachers over their lives and learning interests [19].…”

“…In addition, compared with children, youth care more about others' opinions of themselves, mainly when they depend on personal ability and effort a success. They especially need to get parents, teachers and peer recognition and praise, so they have enough support and motivation to continue to strive toward the future [19].…”

Architectural Design Qualities of an Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital to Benefit Patients and Staff

“…There are major differences between the needs of adolescent and children or adults in a psychiatric hospital. Although individuals under the age of 18 are considered children and may all share the need of parental support, adolescents require more control and peer socialization ( Borg-Laufs, 2013 ). While previous studies have proven the impact of the built environment of a psychiatric hospital on patients’ positive interactions and feeling of control and safety, there is a lack of focus on designing adolescent-specific psychiatric hospitals.…”

A Systematic Overview of Adolescents’ Smartphone Habits and Internet Addiction During the COVID-19 Era

“…This escape can lead to deterioration in the academic and relational fields of individuals (Beard 2015, Wong et al 2015. Borg-Laufs (2013), inspired by Maslow's (1954) Hierarchy of Needs (physiological, safety, social needs, need for value/esteem, and self-actualization), reports that adolescents have psychological needs that are expected to be met after their physical needs. These needs are defined as orientation/control, maintaining self-esteem, pleasure/ avoidance of boredom and attachment.…”