Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs was proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1968, it is his theory that a person’s basic needs must be satisfied before we can focus on those that are more abstract (Wood, 2013). The Hierarchy is usually displayed as a pyramid with the basic needs at the bottom and the more complex needs at the top. The bottom starts with an individual’s physical needs such as air, food, water the things needed to survive. As humans communication is also needed to survive, because it helps us to be able to meet physical needs for ourselves and for others. For example an infant could not survive without communication they cannot do for their self so they have to alert others when they are in pain, hungry or just want some attention which is also a very important need to be met in order for them to learn and thrive (Wood, 2013). My son is 9 months old and I must meet his physical needs every day in order for him to survive, I must feed, clothe, change, and play with him. When he cries that is how he alerts me that he is ready to eat, needs to be changed, played with or he is sick/in pain. Once a person’s lower level of needs is met they can move on to their next level of needs which are their needs for safety and security (Cherry, 2013). The need for safety and protection are also met through communication, these needs are important for survival but they are not as demanding as the physical needs for example we want to have a steady job, a home that keeps us sheltered from the environment, a safe neighborhood and even good healthcare. How does communication help with our safety needs? In order to keep a home safe and sheltered we must communicate with the owner or manager to keep things fixed so that it stays safe to live in (Woods, 2013). The third level of Maslow’s Hierarchy is belonging also called social needs according to Abraham Maslow these needs are to be considered less important than physical and safety needs. Social needs are basically the need for

References: Wood, J. (2013). Interpersonal Communication. (7th ed., p. 10-13). Cengage Learning. Cherry, K. (2013). Hierarchy of needs. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/theoriesofpersonality/a/hierarchyneeds.htm