Psychological Theories of Change - Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs activity - Awakenings

Locate and view the film "Awakenings" directed by Penny Marshall with Robert De Niro and Robin Williams

Film Summary

This film was adapted from a book written by Dr. Oliver Sacks on his personal experience as a neurologist in a mental ward. The movie focuses on Leonard Lowe and other victims of an encephalitis epidemic who eventually lose the ability to read, write and even move. They are essentially in a catatonic state for approximately 30 years before Dr. Sacks (Dr. Sayer) uses a drug called L-Dopa to awaken these individuals. Eventually however the effect of the drug begins to deplete and Leonard as well as the others revert to their catatonic state. Although he and the others were awakened afterwards they never did awaken permanently.

ACTIVITY

As you view the film focus on one of the following characters: Leonard (Robert De Niro) or Dr. Sayer (Robin Williams). Apply your knowledge of the Hierarchy of Needs Theory to the life of one of these characters. Explain the growth, development and/or changes that your character has undergone using specific reference to examples from the film and to the terms/language of the theory. When writing your response start at the bottom of the hierarchy chart and work your way up to self actualization. Use the language of the theory to discuss the development of the individual.

1. Your submission should be approximately five hundred to eight hundred (VERY IMPOTANT) words written in Report Style Format where each paragraph is given a name. (Hint: There should be seven paragraphs)

2. the first called Introduction and each subsequent paragraph should have a name that relates to the 5 levels of achievement on the chart, followed by a conclusion paragrpah)

3. Provide a Cover Page in proper A P A format with a running head, abstract and key words and provide a Reference page. Include citations that reference both the Lesson notes and the film. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES because that counts as copying