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What is the primary premise behind Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Nov 16, 2023

What is the primary premise behind Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Answer

The primary premise behind Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that human beings are motivated by a hierarchy of needs, starting with the most basic physiological needs and moving up to safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Key Concept

Hierarchy of Needs

Explanation

Abraham Maslow proposed that humans have a set of needs that are arranged in a hierarchy, with the most fundamental needs at the bottom. According to Maslow, individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can address higher-level needs. The hierarchy is often depicted as a pyramid, with physiological needs at the base, followed by safety needs, social needs (love/belonging), esteem needs, and finally, self-actualization at the top.

Key Concept

Motivation and Fulfillment

Explanation

Maslow's theory suggests that the most basic level of needs must be met before the individual will strongly desire (or be motivated by) the secondary or higher-level needs. Fulfillment of each level of needs is essential for the pursuit of needs at the next level. For example, if a person is struggling to meet their basic physiological needs, such as food and shelter, they are less likely to be concerned with needs of esteem or self-actualization.

Key Concept

Self-Actualization

Explanation

Self-actualization represents the highest level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. It is the fulfillment of personal potential and the realization of one's abilities and qualities. Maslow believed that this is the ultimate psychological need that arises after all the other needs have been met, and it is the pursuit of growth, peak experiences, and self-fulfillment.