Theories Of Maslow And Bandura In The Film 'Batman Begins'

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In the film, “Batman Begins” Bruce Wayne’s journey to become the Batman is explored (Franco, Orleans, Roven, Thomas, Nolan, 2005). This essay applies the theories of Maslow and Bandura, in an effort to determine whose theory makes better sense of Bruce. Maslow believed that there was a hierarchy of five innate needs that influence people’s behaviors (Schultz & Schultz, 2013, p.246-247). In a pyramid fashion, at the base are physiological needs, followed by safety needs, then belonginess and love needs, succeeded by esteem needs, and finally the need for self-actualization. Maslow claimed that lower order needs must be at least partially satisfied before higher level needs are addressed. Furthermore, behavior is dominated by solely one need …show more content…

People with high self-efficacy tend to be self-confident, successful in their work, and function at elite levels. Having a high self-efficacy can enhance problem solving and analytical thinking abilities. Essentially, “self-efficacy is the power of believing you can” (Schultz & Schultz, 2013, p.338). Bruce demonstrates that he has high self-efficacy because he is willing to fight dangerous criminals with his bare hands (Franco et al., 2005). He also believes he can take on organized crime and fight injustices. He thinks that he will make a difference, and believes in his abilities as Batman. He is also successful as Batman and operates at elite levels, capable of fighting large groups of armed criminals. He also appears to have great problem solving and analytical thinking abilities, demonstrated in his ability to stop a master plan to contaminate Gotham with a poison. A limitation of Bandura’s theory is his claim that people with high self-efficacy express little self-doubts, and have reduced levels of fear of failure (Schultz & Schultz, 2013, p.338). However, near the climax of the film, Bruce expresses doubts and shows his fear of failure when he tells his butler, “I wanted to save Gotham. I failed.” (Franco et al., 2005). During this scene, it is up to Alfred to give Bruce hope and courage, yet it appears as if it had not been for Alfred’s reassurance, Bruce would not have been able to shake off his self-doubts or fears of

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