Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a conceptualisation of the needs (or goals) that motivate human behaviour, which was proposed by the American psychologist Abraham Maslow.^[1][2] According to Maslow’s original formulation, there are five sets of basic needs that are related to each other in a hierarchy of prepotency (or strength). Typically, the hierarchy is depicted in the form of a pyramid although Maslow was not himself responsible for the iconic diagram.^[3] The pyramid begins at the bottom with physiological needs (the most prepotent of all) and culminates at the top with self-actualization needs. In his later writings, Maslow added a sixth level of ‘meta-needs’ and metamotivation.^[4][5]

The hierarchy of needs developed by Maslow is one of his most enduring contributions to psychology.^[6] The hierarchy of needs remains a popular framework and tool in higher education,^[7][8] business and management training,^[9] sociology research, healthcare,^[10][11] counselling^[12] and social work.^[13] However, although widely used and researched, the hierarchy of needs has been criticized for its lack of conclusive supporting evidence and its validity remains contested.^{[14][15][16][17]}