Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Erica Baker
Everest College
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory of motivation in psychology developed by Abraham Maslow. Maslow believed people move through stages of five needs that motivate our behavior. He called these needs physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Maslow believed each stage of need had to be met before advancement to the next stage of need could occur.
The basic physiological needs are the physical necessities for human survival. Some examples are; Food, Water, Breathing, Homeostasis. In addition to the basic necessities of food, air and heat regulation, the physiological needs also contain things as shelter and clothing. Maslow also included an acceptable birth rate natures the intensity of sexual reproduction in this level of the hierarchy of needs since it is important to the survival instinct. Physiological needs are thought to be the best vital; they should be met first. If these necessities are not met, the human body cannot function accurately and will eventually fail.
Level two Safety and protection. Safety and protection needs take precedence and control behavior. In the absence of physical safety due to war, natural disaster, family violence, childhood abuse people may experience. Some of the basic security and safety needs are; Personal security, Financial security, Health and well-being, and Safety net against accidents/illness and their adversative influences. Locating a job, gaining health insurance and health care, providing money to a savings account, and moving into a safer neighborhood are good examples of actions inspired by the security and safety needs. Together, the safety and physiological levels of the hierarchy make up what is often mentioned as the basic needs.
Level three belonging needs. According to Maslow, humans need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance among their social groups, the need for emotional...