Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow developed his hierarchy of needs to account for the motivation and expression of personality. The hierarchy of needs, organized from lowest and most powerful to highest and least powerful, consisted of the following five need categories: physiological, safety, belonging and love, esteem, and self-actualization. The principal objective of these needs is the motivation of the individual to reach a state of self-actualization – attempts by individuals to reach their full potential by using their talents and abilities to the fullest extent while trying to achieve personal growth, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Although the hierarchy of needs has found utility in a variety of applications, criticisms of it include the operational nature and assessment of this system of needs.