5 Types of Human Needs According to Maslow’s Theory
Every individual has needs from smallest to largest. How does a person fulfill his needs? Abraham Maslow, a humanist psychologist with his theory that they fulfill these needs from the smallest level. For example, if someone is hungry, that person will fulfill their need to eat first before fulfilling other needs.
From this level of needs, Maslow argued that after humans have fulfilled the lowest needs, humans will fulfill the needs at the next level. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has 5 levels, including:
- Physiological Needs
Physiological needs are the most basic needs that are more related to physical needs, such as the need for food, drink, shelter, sleep and oxygen. Physiological needs are needs that are ‘requirements’ to move to the next level of needs.
For example, when humans still feel hungry, humans will hold back other needs first. Humans will fulfill their needs by looking for food and drink to relieve hunger.
- The need for security
Illustration of violence (Pixabay.com/Anja)
After physiological needs have been fulfilled, other needs demand to be fulfilled. For example; a sense of security, such as a sense of physical safety, stability, and protection. The need for freedom from threats, terrorism, disease, fear, anxiety, or natural disasters is also included in this need for security. Physiological needs need to be met in total, while the need for security cannot be like that.
Humans cannot live without sufficient food, but they can still survive even though there is not always a guarantee of protection from various threats from natural disasters or even threats from other people. However, according to Maslow, people who do not feel safe behave differently.
They will act like someone who poses a big threat. People who feel insecure will automatically seek protection and will try hard to avoid unexpected situations.
- The need for belonging and affection
Illustration of mother and child(Pixabay.com/Sasin Tipchai)
After the two needs above are met, the need for a sense of belonging and affection will emerge. Humans tend to look for friends, a life partner, have offspring and feel comfortable being close to family.
Maslow argued that the need for affection is related to the attitude of giving and receiving. Things like this can grow with an attitude of understanding, getting used to it, and teaching it.
- Need for Appreciation
Graduation Illustration (Pixabay.com/Martin Alfonso Sierra Ospino)
After the three needs above are fulfilled, humans will pursue the need for appreciation, such as respect for others, status, fame, reputation, attention and so on.
According to Maslow, the need for esteem is divided into two levels, namely high and low levels. High needs are self-esteem needs such as feelings, confidence, competence, achievement, mastery, independence and freedom.
Low level needs are the need for respect for others, the need for status, fame, reputation, attention, reputation, attention, appreciation, dignity, and dominance. Maslow argued that if the need for self-esteem has been resolved, then humans are ready to fulfill needs at a higher level.
- Need for Actualization
Illustration of a person and a rising sun(Pixabay.com/Cocoandwifi)
According to Maslow, the need for self-actualization is the highest level of need, because it involves a strong drive from within oneself to become what one desires based on one’s abilities. This need can be seen from the continuous desire to achieve potential.
These are the various human needs according to Maslow’s theory that will continue to exist as long as we are alive. When urgent needs can be met, higher needs will automatically emerge.