Universal Human Needs and Non-Violent Communication
Marshall Rosenberg, the creator of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), identified a set of universal human needs that he believed underlie our feelings and behaviors. These needs are considered fundamental and shared by all people across cultures. In the framework of Nonviolent Communication, these needs serve as a basis for understanding and resolving conflicts.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by Marshall Rosenberg, is a communication process and a set of principles designed to promote compassionate and effective communication. As a therapist in Oakland, CA I introduce NVC to help individuals express their needs and feelings, listen empathically to others, and resolve conflicts in a way that preserves the dignity and well-being of all parties involved.
Here are some examples of the universal needs identified by Marshall Rosenberg:
Connection: The need for a sense of belonging, love, and positive relationships with others.
Autonomy: The need for independence, freedom, and a sense of personal control.
Physical well-being: The need for physical health, safety, and nourishment.
Play: The need for fun, joy, and recreation.
Meaning/Purpose: The need for a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Peace: The need for harmony, tranquility, and absence of violence or conflict.
Honesty: The need for sincerity, truthfulness, and integrity.
Empathy: The need for understanding, compassion, and connection with others' feelings.
Respect: The need for recognition, dignity, and acceptance.
Celebration: The need for acknowledgment and appreciation of accomplishments and positive experiences.
These needs, according to Rosenberg, are at the core of human motivations and actions. Nonviolent Communication emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these needs in ourselves and others to promote understanding, empathy, and constructive communication. By identifying and meeting these needs, individuals can work towards resolving conflicts and building more compassionate and cooperative relationships.
The key components of Nonviolent Communication include:
Observation: Describe the concrete actions or behaviors that are affecting you, without interpreting or evaluating them. This involves stating the facts in a neutral and objective manner.
Feeling: Identify and express your emotions in response to the observed actions. NVC encourages individuals to connect with their feelings and communicate them clearly, avoiding language that might be interpreted as blaming.
Need: Identify the universal human needs that are underlying your feelings. These needs represent the basic motivations and values that drive human behavior.
Request: Clearly and specifically request actions that would meet your needs. NVC encourages making requests that are positive, concrete, and doable, avoiding demands or vague statements.
The process encourages individuals to use "I" statements, taking responsibility for their feelings and needs, rather than blaming or accusing others. Additionally, NVC emphasizes active listening and empathic understanding, allowing individuals to connect with and understand the feelings and needs of others.
