  A theory of human motivation  His model places motivational needs in a hierarchy and suggests that before more sophisticated, higher- order needs can be met, certain primary needs must be satisfied.  He placed the more fundamental lower-order needs at the base and the higher-order needs at the top.  For a specific higher-order need to guide behavior, a person must first fulfill the more basic needs in the hierarchy. What is it?

  Five categories of need include:  Physiological needs  Safety needs  Love & belongingness  Esteem  Self-actualization Categories of Need

  The requirements for human survival.  Usually the first needs to be met  Located at the bottom of the pyramid  The primary drives include:  Water, food, sleep, & sex  Example: If you are taking a road trip and you get thirsty you usually stop somewhere to get a drink. Physiological Needs

  The need for a safe & secure environment.  Can be met after physiological needs are met  Located second from the bottom  Safety and Security needs include:  Personal security, financial security, health/well-being, & safety nets against accidents/illness  Example: People look both ways before crossing the street & if they don’t look before they don’t feel safe Safety Needs

  The need to obtain & give affection.  Third layer of human needs on the pyramid  This need for belonging can often override the physiological and security needs.  Humans need to love & be loved by others-sexually & non-sexually  Example: Children join gangs just to feel like they fit in & have friends. Love & Belongingness

  The need to develop a sense of self- worth by recognizing that others know & valve one’s competence.  Fourth layer of humans needs  May participate in activities that give them a sense of self-value  Example: Even though she knows she is pretty, a young girl does modeling to get compliments on her beauty which builds up her self- esteem. Esteem

  A state of self-fulfillment in which people realize their highest potential, each in his or her own unique way.  Located at the top of the pyramid.  Reaching self-satisfaction  Example: A teenager plays football all through high school & college to become a professional football player & after college he does, now he is happy & satisfied with his life. Self-Actualization