Maslow S Hierarchy

Maslow’s Hierarchy Maslow’s hierachy of needs

Physiological (first level of hierarchy) Physiological needs are the basic necessities for survival. If these needs are not met, the human body simply cannot continue to function. In today’s society, clothing and shelter would appear to be physiological needs, because most people would think that they could not survive without these two things. However, clothing and shelter are not necessary for survival, and therefore would fall under the second level of the hierarchy, relating to security of the body and health. Safety (second level of hierarchy) Only once a person has had their physiological needs satisfied will they feel a need for safety. Safety needs relate to a person feeling that they are free from harm and danger, as well as feeling that they are secure in their day-to-day life. For example, if a person has a job, a house to live in and people around them that they can trust, then they will feel a sense of safety and security. Safety and security needs can include housing, health, financial security and protection from accidents and injury. Love and belonging (third level of hierarchy) Love and belonging needs are met through relationships with family, friends and/or significant others. All people need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, and they need to love and be loved by others. When these needs are not met, a person may feel lonely, shy or anxious in social situations. A prolonged inability to satisfy this need may lead to feelings of depression. Esteem (fourth level of hierarchy) All people have a need to be respected, to have self-esteem, to have self-respect and to show respect for others. People need to engage in activities in order to gain recognition and feel a sense of contribution to society. When these needs are satisfied, the person develops self-confidence and a sense of respect for themself. A person who is at this level of the hierarchy will be able to speak positively about their strengths and abilities (self-esteem) as well as happily receive compliments and praise from others (esteem). If a person does not feel valued by society, this can lead to low self-esteem and a greater need for respect and acceptance by others. When esteem needs are not met, a person can feel frustrated, inferior, weak, helpless or worthless to society. Self-actualisation (top level of hierarchy) Maslow describes self-actualisation as an individual’s need to do what they were ‘born to do’. This relates to a sense of purpose in life, a feeling of satisfaction and contribution to society and of being able to make a difference to something or someone. Maslow believed that the only reason people might find it difficult to achieve optimal wellbeing would be due to limitations or barriers placed in their way by society.

Preliminary: Module 1. Lesson 2, worksheet 2