Maslow Psy?202

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Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Kara A. Vandersteen
Psy/202
8/31/2011
Kristal Chambers

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs



I have found that Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is most often displayed as a pyramid.   The lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the most basic needs, while the more complex needs are located at the top of the pyramid.
Physiological Needs
These include the most basic needs that are vital to survival, such as the need for water, air, food and sleep. Maslow believed that these needs are the most basic and instinctive needs in the hierarchy because all needs become secondary until these physiological needs are met.
Security Needs
These include needs for safety and security. Security needs are important for survival, but they are not as demanding as the physiological needs. Examples of security needs include a desire for steady employment, health insurance, safe neighborhoods and shelter from the environment.
Social Needs
These include needs for belonging, love and affection. Maslow considered these needs to be less basic than physiological and security needs. Relationships such as friendships, romantic attachments and families help fulfill this need for companionship and acceptance, as well as involvement in social, community or religious groups.
Esteem Needs
After the first three needs have been satisfied, esteem needs becomes increasingly important. These include the need for things that reflect on self-esteem, personal worth, social recognition and accomplishment. This is one of the most challenging needs to meet, most people automatically put themselves down.

Self-actualizing Needs
This is the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Self-actualizing people are self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others and interested fulfilling their potential.
This prioritizing of needs makes perfect sense to me. The lower four needs are considered deficiency needs, and the top... [continues]

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