Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Motivation theory which suggests five interdependent levels of basic human needs:

-         Physiological needs for survival (to stay alive and reproduce).

-         Security needs (to feel safe).

-         Social needs (for love and belonging).

-         Self-esteem needs (to feel worthy, respected, and have status).

-         Self-actualization needs (self-fulfillment and achievement).

Its underlying theme is that human beings are 'wanting' beings: as they satisfy one need the next emerges on its own and demands satisfaction ... and so on until the need for self-actualization that, by its very nature, cannot be fully satisfied and thus does not generate more needs.