Henry Murray

Henry Alexander Murray ( born May 13, 1893 in New York City; † June 23, 1988 in Cambridge, Massachusetts) was an American psychologist who taught for over thirty years at Harvard University.

Murray's personality theory published in 1938 was the beginning of the study of achievement motivation. In it, he distinguishes primary ( " viszerogene " ) and secondary ( " psychogenic " ) needs (needs ) of the People: Primary needs are based on organic processes and occur cyclically or regulation. The primary needs include hunger and thirst. The "higher" secondary needs include power (need Achievement ), affiliation (need Affiliation ), Independence (need Autonomy ), etc., which are acquired in the course of individual development.

Another contribution to motivation research, Murray made ​​was the development of the TAT ( Thematic Apperception Test ), which was later further developed by David McClelland.

1943 Murray made ​​in collaboration with two other scientists an opinion on the personality of Adolf Hitler for the former U.S. intelligence to OSS. As a project of Walter C. Langer functioned. In this study, personality especially the possible future behavior of Hitler should be analyzed with regard to the impending defeat of Germany.

Secondary needs to Murray

(needs n = need ); alphabetical order

See Heckhausen H ( 1989). Motivation and action. Berlin: Springer Verlag

Writings

• Explorations in Personality. New York, Oxford University Press, 1938
• What should psychologists do about psychoanalysis? Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 35, 150-175, 1940
• Analysis of the Personality of Adolph Hitler: With Predictions of His Future Behavior and Suggestions for Dealing with Him Now and After Germany's Surrender, 1943 ( report for the U.S. intelligence OSS)
• OSS Assessment Staff ( eds): Assessment of Men: Selection of Personnel for the Office of Strategic Services. New York: Rinehart, 1948