Maslow's Hierarchy

Abraham Maslow, in studying mentally healthy individuals, developed a theory in which human development is laid out along a hierarchy, from the most basic to the more psychologically advanced needs of a person. Paper Masters can compose a custom written research paper on Maslow's Hierarchy that follows your guidelines.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is frequently presented in the form of a pyramid, although Maslow himself never used such an icon. First presented in a 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation," Maslow fully developed his hierarchy in his 1954 book Motivation and Personality. The following are the categories of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as discussed on Simply Psychology:

• Physiological Needs
• Safety Needs
• Love and Belonging
• Human Esteem

Maslow's Hierarchy Basics

At the lowest level of the hierarchy are human physiological needs. These are such basics as food, sleep, water and sex. These are some of the most fundamental human needs and many are required simply for survival. Once those needs are met, the next level is safety needs. There are both physical safety and economic safety issues. Children, Maslow believed, have greater safety needs than adults.

Last Level's of Maslow's Hierarchy

Maslow's third level involves love and belonging. Friendship and family are often required for individuals to feel connected to society and this is why people join groups both large and small.

The fourth level involves human esteem. All people desire to be accepted and valued. When all self-esteem levels are secured, the person may reach self-actualization, the top level in Maslow's hierarchy. This is where the person becomes integrated and whole.