Focus on Needs
Most psychoeducators believe that basic human needs drive behavior, and that kids with problems have not had their needs met well. Some children have been deprived of things they need, and have developed dysfunctional strategies for obtaining those things on their own. A very small percentage has been over-indulged, and have come to "expect" they will be catered to by others.
Many psychologists have advanced theories about basic human needs, but Abraham Maslow's ideas seem to have most captured the public imagination, and have been quite influential. Maslow (1908-1970) believed that physiological needs are most basic . . . followed by needs for safety, love and belongingness, self-esteem and something he called "self-actualization." Dr. C. George Boeree has provided an excellent overview of Maslow's theory that explains each of the needs in depth.
Needs Drive Behavior
Most troubled kids are angry and/or depressed because their needs have not been sufficiently met, and act in ways to either
(1) obtain what they have missed, or (2) compensate for needs that have been frustrated. For example, a child whose need for safety has been ignored may act timidly or fearfully, or even in a provocative way to court disaster. A child whose self-esteem is poor may bully other kids in an effort to salvage some feeling of power. The psychoeducator strives to help the child understand the motives behind his or her behavior, and to find ways of meeting needs that are more mature and socially appropriate.
Working, Loving, and Living Well is the Goal!
The goal of psychoeducation is to help the child to get along with others in home, neighbor-
hood and school environments. Helping children change dysfunctional behavior is not easy!
The work is challenging, but seeing a child make a successful adjustment is most gratifying!
.
