Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs ~ Food for Thought

Abraham Maslow is well known as one of the founders of humanistic approach in psychology. 
He believed the "hierarchy of needs" questioned the order in which we satisfy our needs. It is interesting to see how these are a useful reminder of the number and complexity of human needs. 
Level 1 Psychological Needs: food, water, rest, sleep ... Are all these needs met before moving on to another level?
Level 2 Safety Needs: Protection from Harm ...Do we live in a safe environment?
Level 3 Love and Belonging Needs: affirmation with others and Acceptance by others ... Do we come from a loving, supportive family?
Level 4 Esteem Needs:Achievement, Gaining approval and recognition ...As early adults are we achieving our goals, establishing our careers?
Level 5 Self-actualization: achieving our true potential ... Are we meeting goals we have set out for ourselves?

When we think of young children or young adults, how are their needs meet and what course is their life taking? I think Maslow has identified some very important factors. Think of someone you know. Were their Psychological needs met as a child? If yes great, if not what could have went wrong? Did they have a safe life from harm? Regardless of ones age there are many basic needs but which does an individual value most? If we are at a higher level and our basic needs are not met we may come back down the hierarchy. If you were hungry and very lonely at the same time which would you satisfy first ... biological need (hunger) or social need (affiliation). Maslow believed when it came to satisfying our needs we begin at the bottom of the needs hierarchy and work our way up. 


FOOD FOR THOUGHT