A study of science teaching insecurity in preservice elementary school teachers (N=56) in Finland is presented. Based upon Maslow's theory of basic needs, it was believed that individuals who feel insecure about science or science teaching cannot function at a higher need level until these insecurities are met. A 20-item instrument was used to determine an individual's self-estimated proficiency in science (SEPS), the main independent variable. Half of the students with low SEPS and half with high SEPS took a "traditional" methods course which emphasized basic competencies in teaching physical science. The other half of each group took a "humanistic" methods course which emphasized self actualization. It was hypothesized that the traditional course would best suit students with low SEPS and the humanistic course would be better for those with high SEPS. Two other independent variables included 1) actual proficiency in science (APS) as determined by an achievement test in high school physics and chemistry and 2) sex. Instruments designed to measure absolute and relative levels of anxiety specific to the teaching of science (ASTS, RATS) were administered. Findings indicate that neither of the method courses was superior to the other, based upon ASTS and RATS scores. (DC)