Frame-of-Orientation Need: Definition and Characteristics
The frame-of-orientation need is a concept in psychology that was first proposed by Kurt Lewin in 1935. It describes a basic human need for a sense of structure, order, and stability in order to feel safe and secure in the world. The frame-of-orientation need is a major theme throughout a variety of psychological theories, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and attachment theories.
The frame-of-orientation need is believed to be an innate factor in humans, as it is seen in people of all ages and backgrounds. It is seen in the need for parents to provide structure, order, and stability for their children; in the need for individuals to create and maintain a sense of predictability in their lives; and in the need for people to have a sense of control over their environment. This need is also seen in the need to develop a sense of identity, to have relationships with others, and to create meaning in life.
The frame-of-orientation need is closely related to other psychological concepts, such as the need for control, the need for autonomy, and the need for belonging. It is also related to the concept of psychological security, which is the feeling of safety and security that comes with having a sense of structure and order in one’s life.
The frame-of-orientation need is an important concept to consider when attempting to understand human behavior and cognition. It can help to explain why individuals engage in certain behaviors, why they gravitate towards certain situations, and why they may feel anxious or uncomfortable in unfamiliar or unpredictable environments.
References
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Lewin, K. (1935). A dynamic theory of personality. New York: McGraw-Hill.
McLeod, S. A. (2015). Attachment Theory. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html
Siegel, D. J. (2012). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.