Physiological needs are the physical
requirements for human survival. If these requirements are not met, the human body
cannot function properly and will ultimately fail. Physiological needs are thought to be the most important, they should be met first.
Air, water and food are metabolic
requirements for survival in all animals, including humans, clothing and
shelter provide necessary protection from the elements. While maintaining an
adequate birth rate shapes the intensity of the human sexual instinct, sexual
competition may also shape said instinct. All Animals including humans have to
pass out waste from their body so as to enable them consume more food or
nutrients. They also need rest (i.e sleep) to keep them fit and healthy
SAFETY
NEEDS
Once a person’s physiological needs
are relatively satisfied, their safety needs take precedence and dominate
behaviour. In the absence of physical safety due to war, natural disaster,
family violence, childhood abuse, etc people may (re-)experience post-traumatic
stress disorder of trans generational trauma. In the absence of economic safety
due to economic crisis and lack of work opportunities these safety needs
manifest themselves in ways such as a preference for job security, grievance procedures for protecting the individual from unilateral authority, savings accounts, insurance
policies, disability accommodations, etc. This level is more likely to be found
in children as they generally have a greater need to feel safe.
SAFETY
AND SECURITY NEEDS INCLUDE
i.
Personal
security
ii.
Financial
security
iii.
Health
and well being
iv.
Safety
net against accidents/illness and their adverse impacts.
LOVE
AND BELONGING
After physiological and safety needs
are fulfilled the third level of human needs is interpersonal and involves feelings of belongingness. This need is especially strong in childhood and it can override the need for safety as witnessed in children who cling to abusive parents. Deficiencies within this
level of Maslow’s hierarchy-due to hospitalist, neglect, shunning,
ostracism etc can adversely affect the individual’s ability to form and
maintain emotionally significant relationships in general, such as:
i.
Friendship
ii.
Intimacy
iii.
Family.
According to Maslow, humans need to feel a sense of
belonging and acceptance among their social groups regardless whether these
groups are large or small. For example some large social groups may include clubs,
co-workers religious groups, professional organization, sport and gangs. Some
examples of small social connections include family members, intimate partners,
mentions colleagues and confidants. Humans need to love and be loved both
sexually and non-sexually by others. Many people become susceptible (i.e prone)
to loneliness, social anxiety and clinical depression in the absence of this
love or belonging element. This need for belonging may overcome the
physiological and security needs, depending on the strength of the peer
pressure.