Explanation of Hierarchy
General
Maslow presents a hierarchy of needs which can be divided into basic needsand growth needs. One must satisfy lower level basic needs before progressingon to meet higher level growth needs. Once these needs have been reasonablysatisfied, one may be able to reach the highest level called self-actualization.
Every individual is capable and has the desire to move up the hierarchytoward a level of self-actualization. Unfortunately, progress is oftendisrupted by failure to meet lower level needs. Life experiences includingdivorce and loss of job may cause an individual to fluctuate between levels ofthe hierarchy. Maslow noted only one in ten individuals become fullyself-actualized because our society rewards motivation primarily based onesteem, love and other social needs.
Basic Needs 
- Physiological: need for sleep and rest , food, drink, shelter, sex,and oxygen
- Safety: need to be safe from harm, for a predictable world withconsistency, fairness, routine, for sense of stability and security
Growth Needs
- Love and Belonging: need for love and affectionate relationships,belonging to a group, and caring
- Esteem: two components ...................................................................................... self-respect: desire for confidence, competence, adequacy,achievement, mastery ....... respect of others: desire foracceptance, recognition, reputation, appreciation, status, prestige
- Understanding and Knowledge: need to satisfy curiosity, explore, discover,find solutions, look for relationships and meaning, and seek intellectualchallenges
- Aesthetics: need for beauty in surroundings
- Self-actualization: need for growth, development and utilization ofpotential, becoming all that one can be, self-fulfillment
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