Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory proposed by Abraham Maslow that organizes human needs into a five-tier model, often depicted as a pyramid. The hierarchy starts with the most fundamental physiological needs at the base and progresses upward to self-actualization at the top. According to Maslow, people must satisfy lower-level needs before beingable to focus on higher-level needs.

The five levels in Maslow’s hierarchy are:

Physiological needs: These are the basic needs for survival, including air, water, food, shelter, clothing, sleep, and reproduction. They must be met first.
Safety needs: After physiological needs, individuals seek safety and security, which includes physical safety, health, financial security, job security, and stable living conditions.
Love and belonging needs: This level involves relationships like friendships, family, and romantic connections. Feeling accepted and loved is important.
Esteem needs: Here, individuals desire respect, self-esteem, recognition, and a sense of achievement.
Self-actualization: This is the highest level, where a person seeks personal growth, creativity, fulfillment, and to reach their full potential.

Maslow emphasised that while the hierarchy suggests a progression, the order is not always rigid—people can pursue multiple needs simultaneously, and cultural or individual differences can affect the priority of needs. The model divides needs into deficiency needs (the first four levels, motivated by lack) and growth needs (self-actualisation).​