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Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Definition

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising different levels of human needs, from basic physiological needs to self-actualization and transcendence.

Analogy

Imagine Maslow's hierarchy as a video game. You start at level one (physiological needs) and you have to complete each level successfully before you can unlock the next one. You cannot jump straight from level one to level five without first satisfying the intermediate levels (safety needs, love/belongingness, esteem).

Related terms

Self-Actualization: The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities; considered as a drive present in everyone according to Maslow.

Physiological Needs: These are biological requirements for human survival such as air, food, drink, shelter etc. If these requirements are not met then human body cannot function properly.

Esteem Needs: These include needs for both self-esteem and the esteem a person gets from others. Humans need to engage themselves to gain recognition and have an activity or activities that give the person a sense of contribution, to feel accepted and self-valued.