Abraham Harold Maslow



Abraham Harold Maslow (April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970) was an American psychologist who was best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization. (wiki)

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid with the largest, most fundamental needs at the bottom and the need for self-actualization and transcendence at the top.

Physiological Needs: are the bedrock needs that support the entire pyramid. These needs include food, water, sleep, clothing, shelter, and freedom to move. Although these needs seem basic, they are not, life and death is on the line. That's why physiological need is the first need that has to be met. 

Safety Needs:  after physiological needs are satisfied, safety against war, natural disaster, family violence, workplace violence, childhood abuse, institutional racism, harassment, etc. Not only physical safety, but non-physical too. Safety need also includes financial safety. 

Belongingness Needs: after physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, the third level of human needs are seen to be interpersonal and involves feelings of belongingness. These needs include: friendship, family, intimacy and belonging to something bigger than self. 

Self-Esteem: are sometimes referred to as the ego. A need to feel respected, accepted, and valued by others.  Maslow noted two versions of esteem needs: a "lower" version and a "higher" version. The "lower" version of esteem is the need for respect from others. This may include a need for status, recognition, fame, prestige, and attention. The "higher" version manifests itself as the need for self-respect.

Self-Actualization: this level of need refers to what a person's full potential is and the realization of that potential. Maslow describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. Individuals who are motivated to pursue this level are seeking and understanding how their sense of self-partakes within their human behavior.

Photo Credit: FireflySixtySeven

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