Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. It suggests that human beings have certain needs that must be fulfilled in a specific order to achieve personal growth and self-actualization. The hierarchy is often depicted as a pyramid, with each level representing a different category of needs.
1. Physiological Needs: These are the most fundamental needs required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. Without fulfilling these needs, an individual's survival and wellbeing are at risk.
2. Safety Needs: Once physiological needs are met, individuals seek safety and security. This includes physical safety, protection from harm, stability, order, and a predictable environment.
3. Love and Belongingness Needs: Humans have a natural desire to be loved, to belong, and to form meaningful relationships. This level encompasses social needs, such as friendship, intimacy, and acceptance by others.
4. Esteem Needs: After fulfilling the basic social needs, individuals strive for self-esteem and recognition. This includes both external factors like respect, status, and recognition from others, as well as internal factors like self-confidence, self-worth, and self-respect.
5. Self-Actualization: This is the highest level of need in Maslow's hierarchy. At this stage, individuals aim to fulfill their highest potential and achieve personal growth. This involves self-fulfillment, creativity, problem-solving, and self-actualizing tasks that lead to personal and spiritual development.
According to Maslow, each level is dependent on the fulfillment of the previous one. Once a lower level need is met, it no longer serves as a motivator, and individuals move on to the next level. However, it is important to note that the theory has received criticism for not being universally applicable to all individuals and cultures.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a ranked list of those needs essential to human growth and development, presented in ascending order, starting with basic needs and building toward the need to reach your highest potential
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