Who developed the hierarchy of needs?
Quick answer
American psychologist Abraham Maslow developed the hierarchy of needs, first described in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation.” It suggests people are motivated by five levels of needs, from basic physical survival up to self-actualization, reaching one’s full potential.
Key facts
- Psychologist
- Abraham Maslow (1908–1970)
- First described
- 1943, “A Theory of Human Motivation”
- Levels
- 5
- Field
- Humanistic psychology
The five levels
| Level | Needs | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 5 (top) | Self-actualization | Creativity, growth, reaching your potential |
| 4 | Esteem | Respect, recognition, confidence |
| 3 | Love and belonging | Friendship, family, community |
| 2 | Safety | Security, shelter, health, steady income |
| 1 (base) | Physiological | Food, water, sleep, warmth |
Maslow argued that people generally focus on lower needs first: a starving person is unlikely to worry about artistic fulfillment. Basic needs like sleep are explained in why sleep is important.
Who was Maslow?
Maslow was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrants from Russia. He became a leading figure in humanistic psychology, which focused on people’s positive potential and growth rather than only on mental illness or behavior. He studied people he considered self-actualized, such as Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt.
The pyramid
Maslow never drew his theory as a pyramid. A management consultant popularized the pyramid diagram in the 1960s, and it became one of the most famous images in psychology and business.
Later additions
Late in life, Maslow suggested a level above self-actualization, self-transcendence: finding meaning in something beyond oneself, such as helping others.
Criticisms
- The order of needs isn’t fixed; people may pursue love or creativity even when basic needs aren’t met.
- The model reflects individualistic, Western values; in many cultures, community and belonging may come first.
- Research support for a strict hierarchy is limited.
Even so, the model remains popular in education, management and marketing.
For other important ideas in psychology, see Pavlov’s experiments on classical conditioning and what confirmation bias is.
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