Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is an organizational model developed by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in the 1940s. It explains how humans function in terms of their five primary needs: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. Physiological needs such as food, water, and sleep come first. If a person does not have their basic physical needs met, then their efforts to satisfy other needs will be thwarted. Once those needs are met, a person seeks safety which includes physical safety from harm, financial security, and emotional security. With this basic need met, the urge for social contact and belongingness becomes more important. At this level, a person seeks recognition, acceptance, and friendship and develops an identity in the process. After social needs are met, a person's desire for self-esteem come into play. This could manifest itself in the need for achievement, respect from and recognition by others, self-respect, and status. Finally, if all the needs below are taken care of, a person will strive to reach the highest level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs – self-actualization – where creativity and personal growth and development occur.