Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Fundamental needs are basic physiological and psychological requirements that humans must satisfy for survival and well-being. These needs serve as the foundation of motivation and drive human behavior.
The body's natural tendency to maintain internal stability or balance by regulating various physiological processes.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: A theory that arranges fundamental needs into a hierarchical order, with physiological needs at the base (e.g., food, water) and higher-level needs (e.g., self-esteem, self-actualization) being pursued once lower-level needs are met.
Innate behavioral patterns that are biologically determined and activated in response to specific stimuli, helping individuals fulfill their fundamental needs.