Deficiency Diseases
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Deficiency Diseases
In Abraham Maslow’s framework, Deficiency Disease refers to the physical, emotional, psychological, and developmental harms that arise when an individual's Seven Essential Needs are unmet. When these needs are neglected or inadequately fulfilled, the resulting deficiency creates distress and dysfunction within the individual, leading to what he termed “deficiency disease.
Abraham Maslow Terms
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Syncretic Terms
Related LP Terms
Non-LP Related Terms
Notes
Deficiency disease manifests in various ways:
- Physiological Deficiencies: Malnutrition, lack of rest, or unsafe environments can cause physical ailments, impacting long-term health.
- Emotional and Psychological Deficiencies: The absence of love, esteem, or belonging can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, loneliness, and diminished self-worth.
- Developmental Impacts: Chronic unmet needs can disrupt or distort psychological and emotional development, limiting the individual's potential and sense of well-being.
Maslow suggested that to avoid deficiency disease, environments should support all basic needs consistently. In the Lightning Path framework, the concept of deficiency disease aligns with the 5Ds of Toxic Existence (diminishment, dysfunction, disease, disconnection, and death) that emerge when essential needs are unfulfilled. Addressing deficiency disease through need satisfaction enables healthier, more resilient individuals, supporting personal growth and connection.
For more, see the SW entry on Seven Essential Needs
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Footnotes