Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
HUMANIST THEORIES, MOTIVATION THEORIES
Summary: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (often represented as a
pyramid with �ve levels of needs) is a motivational theory in
psychology that argues that while people aim to meet basic needs,
they seek to meet successively higher needs in the form of a
pyramid.
Originator: Abraham Maslow in 1943.
Key terms: de�ciency needs, growth needs, physiological, safety,
belongingness, esteem, self-actualization
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham H. Maslow felt as though conditioning theories did not
adequately acapture the complexity of human behavior. In a 1943
paper called A Theory of Human Motivation, Maslow presented the
idea that human actions are directed toward goal attainment. Any
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given behavior could satisfy several functions at the same time; for
instance, going to a bar could satisfy one’s needs for self-esteem and
for social interaction.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs has often been represented in a
hierarchial pyramid with �ve levels. The four levels (lower-order
needs) are considered physiological needs, while the top level of the
pyramid is considered growth needs. The lower level needs must be
satis�ed before higher-order needs can in�uence behavior. The levels
are as follows (see pyramid in Figure 1 below).
Self-actualization – includes morality, creativity, problem
solving, etc.
Esteem – includes con�dence, self-esteem, achievement,
respect, etc.
Belongingness – includes love, friendship, intimacy, family,
etc.
Safety – includes security of environment, employment,
resources, health, property, etc.
Physiological – includes air, food, water, sex, sleep, other
factors towards homeostasis, etc.
Figure 1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid.
Deprivation Needs
The �rst four levels are considered de�ciency or deprivation needs
(“D-needs”) in that their lack of satisfaction causes a de�ciency that
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motivates people to meet these needs. Physiological needs, the lowest
level on the hierarchy, include necessities such as air, food, and
water. These tend to be satis�ed for most people, but they become
predominant when unmet. During emergencies, safety needs such as
health and security rise to the forefront. Once these two levels are
met, belongingness needs, such as obtaining love and intimate
relationships or close friendships, become important. The next level,
esteem needs, include the need for recognition from others,
con�dence, achievement, and self-esteem.
Growth Needs
The highest level is self-actualization, or the self-ful�llment. Behavior
in this case is not driven or motivated by de�ciencies but rather one’s
desire for personal growth and the need to become all the things that
a person is capable of becoming (Maslow, 1970).
Criticisms
While a useful guide for generally understanding why students
behave the way that they do and in determining how learning may be
a�ected by physiological or safety de�ciencies, Maslow’s Hierarchy
of Needs has its share of criticisms. Some critics have noted
vagueness in what is considered a “de�ciency”; what is a de�ciency
for one is not necessarily a de�ciency for another. Secondly, there
seem to be various exceptions that frequently occur. For example,
some people often risk their own safety to rescue others from
danger.
For more information about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, see:
Maslow’s book: Hierarchy of Needs: A Theory of Human
Motivation. Maslow’s classic publication — perhaps essential
guides and ideas.
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Dopamine,
Games, and
reading for psychology students, educators and professionals.
Maslow’s book: Toward a Psychology of Being. Human
�ourishing — a useful book that helps you
understand reaching self-actualization (sometimes called
“�ow” or “positive psychology.” One of Maslow’s best.
You are welcome to share or cite this summary article. Citation:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. (2016, March 04). Retrieved from:
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