According to Maslow, which need must be met before others can be addressed?

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory proposing that human needs are arranged in a five-tier model, often depicted as a pyramid. At the base of this pyramid are the most fundamental needs, which must be satisfied before individuals can focus on higher-level needs.

Safety and security encompass both physical safety and emotional well-being, capturing a range of concerns from protection against violence and injury to stability in employment and health. If individuals do not feel safe and secure, it becomes extremely challenging for them to pursue needs related to love and belonging, esteem, or self-actualization. For instance, someone living in constant fear or in a highly unstable situation will prioritize achieving safety over seeking relationships or achieving personal goals.

This hierarchical approach is crucial in educational settings, where students must feel secure before they can engage fully in the learning process. By ensuring a safe and secure environment, educators can then support students in forming connections, building esteem, and ultimately fostering self-actualization. Understanding this foundation is essential for effective classroom management and supports the overall development of students.