Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs

Maslow wanted to understand what motivates people. Maslow stated people are motivated to achieve specific needs, although some take priority over others. Being the theory is psychological, it argues while some people aim to meet basic needs, they seek to acquire successively higher needs (progressing up, in a state of a pyramid).

The earliest and most widespread version of Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs includes five emotional needs, often depicted as a hierarchy pyramid.

The first four levels are considered to be deficiency needs in that their lack of satisfaction motivates people to meet these needs.

The highest level is self-fulfilment. Behaviour in this case is not driven/motivated by deficiency but rather a person's desire for personal growth.

However many critics have criticised Maslow's Hierarchy to lack the in-depth understanding that is to be considered a "deficiency". For example what a "deficiency" is for one, might not be a "deficiency" for another.