What Is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

What Is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Have you ever wondered what truly drives human behaviour? Why do we crave love after feeling safe? Or chase purpose only after our basic needs are met? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory gives a powerful lens to understand our motivations and how we behave from the need for safety to the desire for purpose. This theory, published in 1943, has been applied in multiple fields, including psychology and management theory. Understanding this can help reveal what truly drives your thoughts, actions, and desires. Read on to know more.

An Overview

In 1943, Abraham Maslow, a prominent psychologist, introduced a theory that included the Hierarchy of Needs. He titled the theory "A Theory of Human Motivation."

The theory says a series of needs drives human motivation. It begins with the most basic needs and then progresses to more complex ones. He organised these needs into a five-level pyramid. Each layer must be at least partially satisfied before moving to the next. For instance, access to essentials like food, shelter, and health insurance can support the fulfilment of basic physiological and safety needs.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory shifted the focus of psychology towards personal development and fulfilment. This laid the foundation for what is now known as humanistic psychology.