Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. It suggests that individuals have a hierarchy of needs that must be met in order to achieve self-actualization and personal fulfillment. The hierarchy is typically depicted as a pyramid with five levels, including:
1. Physiological needs: These are the basic needs required for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep.
2. Safety needs: Once physiological needs are met, individuals seek safety and security in their environment, including physical safety, financial security, and stability.
3. Love and belongingness needs: After safety needs are met, individuals seek social connections, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
4. Esteem needs: Once social needs are met, individuals seek self-esteem, recognition, and respect from others.
5. Self-actualization: The highest level of the hierarchy, self-actualization is the realization of one's full potential, personal growth, and fulfillment of one's unique talents and abilities.
According to Maslow, individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level needs. The theory suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill these needs in a hierarchical order, with self-actualization being the ultimate goal.