Abraham Maslowdeveloped his hierarchy of needs theory in 1943.
What Is the Hierarchy of Needs?
The purpose of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs was to better understand what motivates human behavior.
Maslow believed that a person’s basic needs must be met before higher needs can be addressed.
The first four levels of needs in the pyramid are sometimes called “deficiency needs.
“At the lower levels, a person is deprived of something and is motivated to get it.
For example, if a person goes without food, they are motivated by hunger.
Once that hunger is satisfied, the motivation for food decreases.
The highest levelself-actualizationis referred to as a “growth” need.
When needs are met at this level, a person becomes even more motivated for personal growth.
Physiological Needs
Physiological needs are at the base of the pyramid of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
When basic needs like food, water, and shelter are not being met, survival instincts kick in.
Safety Needs
Safety and security are the next level of human needs.
In general, humans are social and need to interact with others in supportive, meaningful ways.
When a person is isolated and lonely, it can have detrimental effects on their mental and physical health.
Esteem Needs
The fourth level of the hierarchy is esteem needs.
Self-Actualization Needs
Self-actualization needs are at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid.
This level represents personal growth or reaching your full potential.
At first, Maslow stated that a person had to progress through the hierarchy of needs in order.
Maslow’s theory has been criticized based on its rigidity and lack of diversity.
2015;42(2):220-228. doi:10.1007%2Fs10488-014-0542-8
Boeree, G.Abraham Maslow.
Wichita State University.Maslows hierarchy of needs.
The American Women’s College Psychology Department.Chapter 23, part 2: the hierarchy of needs.
University of Missouri.Challenging Maslows hierarchy of needs: exploring perspectives of Latino migrant adolescents in U.S. agriculture.
