Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a ranking of human needs, physical, emotional, and psychological, as theorized by Abraham Maslow. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was an American psychologist who helped establish humanistic psychology. Maslow suggested that previous psychology focused too negatively on human processes. He proposed a refocusing on developing creativity and self-fulfillment in individuals. The Hierarchy of Needs, are filled from the bottom layers up. The base level needs of food, water, etc., must be filled before the next level of needs, safety and security, can be met. After those two Basic Needs are met, Psychological Needs can then be addressed. Psychological Needs include the desire for friends and a wish to feel good about oneself. Following the fulfillment of Psychological Needs are Self-Fulfillment Needs. The highest level, Self-Fulfillment, describes an individual who enjoys a level of creativity and emotional comfort working toward self directed potential.

An individual can miss some aspects of a level and still move forward. In some instances an individual might skip a step, to later circle around and address a stage. But, according to Maslow, the optimal path toward self-fulfillment follows the path that he presents.

The following chart further details Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Classroom Example:

A teacher well versed in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs understands that a student who is hungry, who feels unsafe, or is unwanted at home, will have difficulty fully engaging in the classroom. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, teachers are often also tasked with seeking out special services for students needing a assistance with shelter, food, clothes, and safety for starters…