Hierarchy of Human Needs
As quoted by Kalish, Maslow shows his hierarchy of human needs. According to Maslow, there is a tendency to “become more and more what one
uniquely is”, to become everything that one is capable of becoming. This concept implies that people have a desire, or a need, to make something of themselves to
do as much as their potential allows 35-48. There are seven levels of needs shown by Maslow. The first need is
physiological need. Maslow divides physiological need into survival need and stimulation need. Survival need includes those produced by hunger, thirst, fatigue,
temperature regulation demands, and pain avoidance 35. Stimulation need, including the need for sex, activity, exploration, manipulation, and novelty, does
not appear necessary for personal survival 39. The fourth need according to Maslow is safety and security needs. Aiken
states that safety and security needs are needs to be secured and out of danger 115. Maslow defines that everyone needs to feel safe from such harm as meeting
with physical violence, having things he values taken away, or losing the care of parents or other protectors 43.
Fifth is love and belonging needs. Aiken defines that love and belonging needs are needs to be with others and to be accepted by them 115. People with
unsatisfied need for love or belonging to a group may go to great lengths to satisfy this need even at the cost of their self-esteem Kalish, 44. The needs of love and
belonging include motives such as love and affection. As this need dominates, we feel a desire for friends, family, and social contact. As quoted by Pettijohn, if we
do not satisfy the belonging and love needs, Maslow believes that psychological problems may develop 206.
Sixth is an esteem and self-esteem need. Kasschau states that esteem needs are the need to achieve, be competent, and gain approval and recognition
144. Self-esteem needs also include the desire for strength, for adequacy, for mastery, for confidence in the face of the world, and for independence and
freedom Kalish, 46. As quoted by Kasschau, a lack of love and esteem makes people anxious and tense 143.
The last need is self-actualization needs. Aiken states that this level is the highest level which shows the human needs to fulfill one’s unique potential
115. Kasschau also defines that these needs may include the pursuit of knowledge and beauty, or whatever else is required for the realization of one’s
unique potential 143. The need to self-actualize motivates people to grow and develop their talents Kalish, 48.