Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory proposed in 1943 by American psychologist Abraham Maslow. It describes needs or goals that motivate human behaviour as five basic sets arranged by relative strength, from physiological needs to self-actualization. Maslow later added meta-needs and metamotivation. The framework is used in several fields, but has been criticized because conclusive supporting evidence is lacking and its validity remains contested.

Proposed by

Abraham Maslow, 1943

Original structure

Five sets of basic needs

Range of needs

Physiological needs to self-actualization