Emotional Needs: Understanding Human Givens, Theories and Practical Approaches

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Emotional needs are fundamental to human wellbeing. They influence our thoughts, behaviours and relationships. When emotional needs are unmet, individuals may experience anxiety, depression, or difficulty maintaining healthy connections. Addressing emotional needs is essential not only for mental health but also for personal growth and life satisfaction.

What Are Emotional Needs?

Emotional needs differ from physiological needs like food or shelter; they relate to psychological fulfilment. The Human Givens approach identifies emotional needs as innate requirements essential for wellbeing. According to the Human Givens Institute (2023), unmet emotional needs lead to distress, while fulfilling them fosters resilience, creativity and life satisfaction. Key domains include security, attention, autonomy, emotional connection, achievement and meaning.

Understanding your emotional needs can improve self-awareness, relationships and overall quality of life.

Theories of Emotional Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow (1943) proposed a hierarchy of needs, from physiological needs to self-actualisation. Emotional needs are primarily addressed in the middle tiers:

• Love and Belonging: Connection, intimacy and social acceptance.

• Esteem: Recognition, respect and achievement.

• Self-Actualisation: Pursuing personal potential and meaningful goals.

Unmet needs at these levels can hinder growth and emotional wellbeing.

Human Givens Emotional Needs

The Human Givens model (Griffin & Tyrrell, 2004) identifies nine core emotional needs:

1. Security

2. Attention (giving and receiving)

3. Autonomy and control

4. Emotional connection to others

5. Community and belonging

6. Privacy

7. Status and respect

8. Competence and achievement

9. Meaning and purpose

Human Givens therapy focuses on practical strategies to meet these needs efficiently, emphasising actionable interventions over extensive exploration of past experiences.

Self-Determination Theory and Emotional Needs

Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) highlights three innate psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Fulfilling these needs enhances motivation, resilience and life satisfaction, while deprivation can lead to anxiety, depression and disengagement.

Approaches to Meeting Emotional Needs

Psychodynamic Perspectives and Attachment Theory

Early relational experiences influence emotional needs in adulthood. Bowlby’s attachment theory (1969, 1988) shows that secure attachment fosters confidence in seeking support, while insecure attachment can impede needs for connection and security. Psychodynamic therapy explores these patterns, helping individuals develop healthier strategies to meet emotional needs.

Cognitive-Behavioural Approaches

CBT addresses how unmet emotional needs shape thoughts and behaviours. For example, a persistent need for attention may lead to negative self-beliefs if ignored. CBT strategies such as cognitive restructuring and behavioural activation enable individuals to meet emotional needs adaptively.

Human Givens Therapy in Practice

Human Givens therapy is solution-focused and evidence-based. Practitioners assess unmet emotional needs and identify client strengths. Techniques such as guided imagery, resource building and skills training restore emotional balance. Research indicates its effectiveness for anxiety, depression and trauma-related conditions (Griffin & Tyrrell, 2004).

Integrative Approaches

Integrating multiple therapeutic approaches addresses emotional needs holistically. Combining CBT with attachment-informed interventions, for example, can simultaneously restructure maladaptive beliefs while enhancing relational security. Mindfulness integration further improves emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Emotional Needs in Daily Life

Meeting emotional needs extends beyond therapy. Practical strategies include:

• Building secure attachments: Foster trust and emotional support in relationships.

• Seeking recognition and achievement: Engage in activities that cultivate competence and accomplishment.

• Maintaining autonomy: Set personal boundaries and pursue values-aligned goals.

• Fostering connection: Join communities or social groups that provide belonging and purpose.

• Practicing self-care: Reflect on personal needs and engage in activities that nurture wellbeing.

Applying Human Givens emotional needs principles can also inform workplace wellbeing, education and public health interventions.

Implications for Therapy and Personal Growth

Practitioners who understand emotional needs can provide targeted interventions that reduce psychological distress and foster resilience. Similarly, individuals who identify and meet their own emotional needs are more likely to develop healthy relationships, maintain boundaries and pursue meaningful goals. Understanding emotional needs is therefore crucial both in clinical practice and in everyday life.

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Conclusion

Emotional needs are central to human wellbeing. Maslow’s hierarchy, Self-Determination Theory and Human Givens emotional needs provide complementary frameworks for understanding these essential requirements. Therapeutic approaches from psychodynamic to CBT to Human Givens therapy offer structured ways to address unmet needs. By recognising and proactively fulfilling emotional needs, individuals can enhance mental health, strengthen relationships and achieve personal growth.

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References

• Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. London: Hogarth Press.

• Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Clinical Applications of Attachment Theory. London: Routledge.

• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.

• Griffin, J., & Tyrrell, I. (2004). Human Givens: The New Approach to Emotional Health and Clear Thinking. London: HG Publishing.

• Human Givens Institute. (2023). Emotional Needs and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.hgi.org.uk

• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.

• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. New York: Guilford Press.

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About Dr Laura Allen –

A Chartered Psychologist & Integrative Therapist, Dr Allen specialises in a broad range of therapeutic methods. She is a published author of numerous research papers and Interactive Courses in the field of Psychology. Dr Allen works one-to-one with clients and supervises other practitioners. She is also a proud member of the British Psychological Society assessment team supporting psychologists in training.