Maslow's hierarchy

Motivational needs theory

Maslow's hierarchy is a psychological model arranging human needs in order of priority, typically shown as a pyramid.

The base holds physiological needs (food, water, shelter), ascending through safety, love and belonging, esteem, to self-actualization at the peak.

The theory holds that lower needs must be met before higher ones become motivating: Once basic survival is secure, people seek connection and purpose.

Often referenced in business and self-help contexts.

Opposites
motivation theory paradigm

Maslow's hierarchybehaviorism

Psychology studying observable conduct

behavioral conditioning · operant conditioning · classical conditioning · Pavlovian conditioning · psychoanalysis

philosophical view of human nature

Maslow's hierarchysurvival of the fittest

Adaptive advantage perpetuates species

nihilism · tabula rasa · learned helplessness

Family

Maslow, hierarchy, hierarchies, hierarchical, hierarchically, hierarch, hierarchic

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Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G