Just What Are the Hierarchy of needs?
The Hierarchy of Needs is a theory that Abraham Maslow purposed. He believed that there were five basic needs that a human should obtain. Each need has a place and importance tied to it. Hierarchy means to arrange in order of importance. We have five of these needs. Maslow suggests that these needs are where humans get their motivation. If our most basic needs are not met, we are motivated to fill those needs and focus on the unmet needs before we move to the next set of needs. If we do not have water, we will be motivated to find water before we worry about out safety needs. Let me explain all of these needs according to Maslow.
PHYSIOLOGICal Needs
Physiological needs are your most basic needs to survive. Without these needs you can not maintain life. That is why they are located at the bottom of the pyramid You must have these needs met to build the rest of the pyramid. These are needs like food, water, air, warmth, sleep, and other needs essential for life. Once we have these needs met, we start to feel the need for safety and security.
Safety Needs
These needs are important for survival as well. Safety needs encompass a wide variety of fulfillment Economic safety, such as a good job or savings would be a safety need. Physical safety like the having a safe shelter, being free of abuse, and health insurance are examples of safety needs. With most of our physical needs met in the previous two categories, we then start to long for emotional and meaningful relationships.
BELONGING and love needs
These needs start to focus on your social needs. Your need for affection and relationships fall under this category. Being able to connect with family and friends and having meaningful romantic relationships are part of belonging and love. Churches and other social groups help fulfill this as well. After these social needs are met, we address our need for respect and esteem.
Esteem Needs
This need starts to look at self need. The need for people to feel respected and to respect themselves. Having good self esteem is part of this need. It can be met through things like social recognition, reaching a certain status, or accomplishing a goal that makes you feel better about yourself. After getting through previous needs, we hope to move into the need for self-actualization.
Self-Actualization
This need refers to someone reaching there full potential and being able to realize it. This need is a feeling of self fulfillment. Only someone who is completely aware of who they are can meet this need and once you do, you become happy with who you are and your accomplishments.
Kevin Zuhlke
Developmental Psychology
Maslow Project
Developmental Psychology
Maslow Project