original_query: What is the importance of dependency need in psychological theory?
query: What is the importance of dependency need in psychological theory?
answer: Dependency need is a significant psychological concept spanning psychological, evolutionary, and ethological theories.  The concept of 'need' itself is central to personality psychology, defined as a 'state of tension' reduced by need fulfillment.  Dependency needs organize perception and action, driving individuals to satisfy these needs.  The concept's origins are linked to the work of Murray and Maslow, and it's closely tied to attachment theory, explaining the importance of early caregiver interactions on later development.