Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (pronunciation: /ˈmæzloʊz ˈhaɪərɑːrki ɒv niːdz/) is a theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation" in Psychological Review.
Etymology
The term is named after Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist who first introduced the concept. The word 'hierarchy' (pronunciation: /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/) comes from the Greek words 'hieros' meaning 'sacred', and 'archein' meaning 'to lead or rule'. The term 'needs' (pronunciation: /niːdz/) is derived from the Old English 'nēodian', meaning 'to be necessary'.
Definition
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Physiological Needs
Physiological needs (pronunciation: /ˌfɪziəˈlɒdʒɪkəl niːdz/) are considered the most important as all the other needs become secondary until these needs are met. These include the most basic needs that are vital to survival, such as the need for water, air, food, and sleep.
Safety Needs
Once an individual’s physiological needs are satisfied, the needs for security and safety become salient. People want to experience order, predictability and control in their lives.
Love and Belonging Needs
After physiological and safety needs have been fulfilled, the third level of human needs is social and involves feelings of belongingness. This need is especially strong in childhood and can override the need for safety and physiological needs.
Esteem Needs
Esteem needs refer to the desire for respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Esteem needs are the basis for the human desire we all have to be accepted and valued by others.
Self-Actualization Needs
Self-actualization needs are the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy, and refer to the realization of a person's potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
Related Terms
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