Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needsโa theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization.
This is a motivational theory comprising five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.
Deficiency Needs: These are basic physical and psychological needs such as food, water, safety, belongingness and esteem that must be met before individuals can pursue growth.