Maslow's hierarchy of needs categorizes human needs into how many levels?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs categorizes human needs into five distinct levels, which are typically represented as a pyramid. This theory suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill basic needs before addressing higher-level needs. The five levels, from the bottom to the top, are:

1. Physiological Needs: These are the most basic human needs required for survival, such as food, water, and shelter.

2. Safety Needs: After physiological needs are met, the focus shifts to safety and security, including health, employment, and property.

3. Love and Belongingness Needs: Once safety is secured, social connections and relationships become important, including friendships and romantic attachments.

4. Esteem Needs: This level focuses on the need for esteem and respect, both from oneself and from others, including feelings of accomplishment and recognition.

5. Self-Actualization Needs: This is the highest level, where individuals seek personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the realization of their potential.

Understanding this framework is critical, especially for those in fields such as psychology, education, and business, as it provides insight into human motivation and behavior. The categorization emphasizes that higher-level needs become a priority only