Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is one of the best-known theories of motivation. Maslow's theory states that our actions are motivated by certain physiological and psychological needs that progress from basic to complex.This hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other, more advanced needs.There are five different levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often displayed as a pyramid. The lowest levels of the pyramid of needs are made up of the most basic needs while the most complex needs are at the top.

Hierarchy of Needs

At the second level of Maslow’s hierarchy, the needs start to become a bit more complex. At this level, the needs for security and safety become primary.People want control and order in their lives. Some of the basic security and safety needs include:·       Financial security·       Health and wellness·       Safety against accidents and injury

Security and Safety Needs (Level 2)

At the fourth level in Maslow’s hierarchy is the need for appreciation and respect. Once the needs at the bottom three levels have been satisfied, the esteem needs begin to play a more prominent role in motivating behavior.At this level, it becomes increasingly important to gain the respect and appreciation of others. People have a need to accomplish things, then have their efforts recognized. In addition to the need for feelings of accomplishment and prestige, esteem needs include such things as self-esteem and personal worth.

Esteem Needs (Level 4)

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs represented part of an important shift in psychology. Rather than focusing on abnormal behavior and development, Maslow's humanistic psychology was focused on the development of healthy individuals.

Impact of Maslow's Hierarchy

“What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”-Abraham Maslow

Maslow Quote

At the very peak of Maslow’s hierarchy are the self-actualization needs. Self-actualizing people are self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others, and interested in fulfilling their potential.

Self-Actualization Needs (Level 5)

The physiological needs include those that are vital to survival. Some examples of physiological needs include:·       Food·       Water·       Breathing·       HomeostasisIn addition to the basic requirements of nutrition, air, and temperature regulation, physiological needs also include shelter and clothing.

Physiological Needs (Level 1)

The social needs in Maslow’s hierarchy include love, acceptance, and belonging. At this level, the need for emotional relationships drives human behavior. Some of the things that satisfy this need include:·       Friendships·       Romantic attachments·       Family relationships·       Social groups·       Community groupsIn order to avoid loneliness, depression, and anxiety, it is important for people to feel loved and accepted by others.

Social Needs (Level 3)

Abraham Harold Maslow (1908 – 1970) was an American psychologist who was best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization. Maslow was a psychology professor at Brandeis University, Brooklyn College, New School for Social Research, and Columbia University. He stressed the importance of focusing on the positive qualities in people, as opposed to treating them as a "bag of symptoms". (Wikipedia)

Abraham Maslow

Maslow's hierarchy of needs describes five levels of needs that motivate human nature. Learn more about the pyramid of needs and why it matters.

Security and Safety Needs (Level 2)

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The Levels of Human Basic Needs