Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological framework that categorizes human needs into five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. It posits that basic needs must be met before higher-level growth needs, such as self-actualization, can be pursued. This theory has been influential in understanding human behavior and motivation, despite critiques of its empirical support and cultural bias.
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Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that categorizes human needs into five levels
Five Levels of Needs
The five levels of needs in Maslow's Hierarchy are physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization
Deficiency and Growth Needs
The first four levels of needs are deficiency needs, while the top level is a growth need
According to Maslow, higher needs emerge when lower needs are sufficiently satisfied
Physiological needs are the basic requirements for human survival, such as food, water, and shelter
Safety needs include personal security, employment, and a safe environment
Love/belonging needs involve friendship, intimacy, and a sense of connection
Esteem needs include the desire for appreciation and respect from others, as well as self-esteem and recognition
Self-actualization is the desire to reach one's full potential and pursue personal growth and fulfillment
Self-actualization is the realization of one's personal potential and the pursuit of personal growth and peak experiences
Embracing Reality and Spontaneity
Self-actualized individuals embrace reality and are spontaneous and creative
Clear Perception of Life's Importance
Self-actualized individuals have a clear perception of what is important in life and are often concerned with solving problems outside of their personal needs
Continuous Process of Becoming
Achieving self-actualization is a continuous process of becoming rather than a perfect end state
Deficiency needs are essential for maintaining a healthy state of well-being and can lead to negative outcomes if not met
When deficiency needs are not met, individuals may feel anxious and have a decrease in motivation, affecting their ability to progress to higher levels of the hierarchy
Growth needs are motivated by the desire to develop and achieve personal enrichment, rather than a lack of something
Once basic needs are met, individuals can pursue self-actualization and seek personal growth and fulfillment