Mrs. Smith has achieved her goals and is striving for personal fulfillment. According to Maslow, where is she on the hierarchy of needs?



biological needs

aesthetic needs

physiological needs

belonging needs

self-actualization needs

What do you think?

last one

I was thinking the last option (self-actualization needs) as "a friend" stated, but I wasn't totally sure. Aesthetic needs also sounded appealing.

You and a friend are correct.

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Mrs. Smith's pursuit of personal fulfillment indicates that she is at the level of self-actualization needs.

To understand this, it is important to know about Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Maslow's theory suggests that individuals have different levels of needs, and these needs are prioritized in a hierarchical order. The hierarchy is as follows:

1. Biological needs: These are the most basic needs for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep.
2. Safety needs: Once biological needs are fulfilled, individuals seek safety and security, both physically and emotionally.
3. Belonging needs: After achieving safety, individuals desire social connections, love, and a sense of belonging.
4. Esteem needs: Once belonging needs are met, individuals aspire for recognition, respect, and a positive self-image.
5. Self-actualization needs: At the top of the hierarchy, self-actualization refers to the need for personal growth, fulfillment, and realizing one's full potential.

In Mrs. Smith's case, she has already achieved her goals, indicating that her needs for biological, safety, belonging, and esteem have been fulfilled. By striving for personal fulfillment, she is now focused on self-actualization needs, the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy.