Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory, from Basic Needs to Self-Actualization

YOGYAKARTA - In psychology, Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is known, which classifies human needs into five levels, with physiological needs at the bottom and actualization needs at the top.

This theory was initiated by the psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943 in his article entitled A Theory of Human Motivation. The main concept of this theory is that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy,

Maslow described the hierarchy in the form of a pyramid with five levels, where each level must be met before the individual can reach the next level of need. To better understand it, let's see the explanation below.

Quoted from the Simpy Psychology website, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory is a motivational theory that groups human needs into five levels, starting from the lowest physiological needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. The following is an explanation of each level:

According to Maslow, physiological needs are interpreted as the biological needs for human survival, for example, air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, sleep, and homeostasis.

The most basic human need is physical survival, and this becomes the first thing that motivates human behavior.

The human body cannot work optimally if its physiological needs are not met. Maslow considers physiological needs as the most basic needs.

After physiological needs are met, humans will be motivated to create security and safety.

These needs relate to predictability, orderliness, and control over one's life and environment.

Examples of safety needs are emotional security, physical safety, financial security (e.g. employment, social welfare), law and order, freedom from fear, social stability, property, health, and well-being (e.g. safety from accidents and injuries).

After fulfilling the physiological needs and safety needs, humans will move on to the third need which involves their feelings.

Love and belonging describe the human need for social connections, including friendships, families, and romantic relationships. For this reason, this level is often referred to as Social Needs.

Maslow argued that a sense of belonging and acceptance is essential for psychological well-being and can even override the need for a sense of security in certain conditions.

The example of social needs is friendship, family, intimacy, trust, acceptance, receiving and giving love, and the feeling of love from loved ones.

This need is felt strongly in childhood and can override the need for a sense of security, as seen in children who are dependent on their parents.

Abraham Maslow classified the need for self-esteem into two, namely self-esteem (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence), and the desire for reputation or respect from others such as recognition, status, and prestige.

Self-esteem is the desire of humans to be accepted and appreciated by others. Humans often pursue one profession or hobby to gain recognition.

Maslow said the need for respect is the most important thing for children and adolescents, and precedes true self-esteem or dignity.

The last level in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is the need for self-actualization. This is a human effort to develop his potential through personal growth, creativity, or meaningful achievement.

Maslow believed that every human must experience a temporary moment (known as the 'peak experience') of self-actualization.

These moments are associated with personally important events such as childbirth, sporting achievements, and success in exams.

That's the information about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory. Hopefully the above review can add insight to readers. For other selected news updates, read on VOI.ID.