Re: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Classical Adlerian Psychotherapy
A lack of self-esteem certainly would fit Maslow's model as a deficient basic need, but to explore the issue of "cause" we would have to move to Adler's model of the personality. According to Adler, a lack of self-esteem and poor body image may have many roots, one of which could be related to physical abnormalities, but it may also be rooted in unrealistic comparisons to others or ideals. Ultimately, the "cause" becomes the individual's opinion, fictional final goal, and private logic, usually reflecting a low level of social interest. As Adler constantly emphasizes, the only effective compensation for feelings of inferiority is an increase in social interest and a feeling of equality with others. A sucessful solution to all of the basic needs, is intimately connected to sufficient social feeling.
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