Abraham Maslow's theory of motivation, also known as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, was explained in 1954. This theory looks at motivation from the perspective of needs.

Explanation:
Maslow's theory is based on the idea that individuals are motivated by a hierarchy of needs. These needs are arranged in a pyramid, with the most basic needs at the bottom and higher-level needs at the top. According to Maslow, individuals must fulfill their lower-level needs before they can move on to higher-level needs.

The Hierarchy of Needs:
The hierarchy of needs in Maslow's theory is divided into five levels:

1. Physiological Needs: These are the most basic needs required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. Individuals are motivated to fulfill these needs in order to maintain their physical well-being.

2. Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, individuals are motivated to fulfill their safety needs. This includes the need for a secure and stable environment, protection from harm, and a sense of order.

3. Love and Belonging Needs: After safety needs are met, individuals are motivated to fulfill their social needs. This includes the need for love, affection, and a sense of belonging. People seek relationships, friendships, and family connections to fulfill these needs.

4. Esteem Needs: Once social needs are fulfilled, individuals are motivated to fulfill their esteem needs. This includes the need for recognition, respect, and self-esteem. People strive for achievements and recognition from others to fulfill these needs.

5. Self-Actualization Needs: After all the previous needs are met, individuals are motivated to fulfill their self-actualization needs. This is the highest level of need, which involves personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the realization of one's full potential.

Implications:
Maslow's theory of motivation has several implications for understanding human behavior and motivation. It suggests that individuals are motivated by different needs at different times, and that the fulfillment of lower-level needs is a prerequisite for the pursuit of higher-level needs. This theory also highlights the importance of a supportive and conducive environment in satisfying these needs.

In summary, Maslow's theory of motivation explains motivation in terms of needs. It suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill a hierarchy of needs, starting with physiological needs and progressing to higher-level needs such as self-actualization. This theory provides insights into human behavior and motivation, and has been widely influential in the field of psychology.