This layer represents the need for love, affection, and a sense of belonging to a social group. It encompasses the desire for friendships, romantic relationships, family, and community involvement. When these needs are not met, individuals may experience feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and depression.

Humans are social creatures who thrive on social interaction and connection. In fact, research has shown that social connection and social support are critical factors in maintaining physical and mental health.

The esteem needs layer of the pyramid is divided into two categories: the need for self-esteem and the need for esteem from others. The need for self-esteem is the internal desire to feel self-assured, confident, and competent in one's abilities. This includes having a sense of self-worth, feeling confident in one's decisions, and recognizing one's achievements.

The need for esteem from others is the external desire to be recognized and respected by others. This includes the desire for recognition, attention, admiration, and respect from others.

There are several ways in which individuals may seek to fulfill their self-actualization needs. This may involve pursuing a career or educational path that aligns with their passions and interests. It may also involve engaging in creative pursuits, such as art, music, or writing. Additionally, individuals may seek to fulfill their self-actualization needs by engaging in volunteer work or other activities that contribute to their communities.

Maslow proposed that once the lower needs are met, individuals are able to pursue higher-level needs. However, not all individuals may reach the top level of self-actualization needs, as this requires a high level of self-awareness.

It has several implications for personal development and organizational behavior. For individuals, the theory suggests that one should prioritize meeting their basic needs before pursuing higher-level needs. For organizations, the theory suggests that creating a supportive work environment that meets employees' basic needs can lead to higher satisfaction/motivation.