What is the order of Maslows hierarchy of needs from highest priority to lowest priority?

Human motivation can be defined as the fulfillment of various needs. These needs can encompass a range of human desires, from basic, tangible needs of survival to complex, emotional needs surrounding an individual’s psychological well-being.

Table of Contents Show

Hierarchy of Needs and Organizational Theory
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
The Hierarchy
5 Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
What is the essence of a pyramid in the hierarchy’s arrangement?
The shapes and directions the pyramid represents.
How is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Helpful?
Application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Modern Nursing
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Nursing

Abraham Maslow was a social psychologist who was interested in a broad spectrum of human psychological needs rather than on individual psychological problems. He is best known for his hierarchy-of-needs theory. Depicted in a pyramid (shown in Figure 1, below), the theory organizes the different levels of human psychological and physical needs in order of importance.

Figure 1. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

The needs in Maslow’s hierarchy include physiological needs (food and clothing), safety needs (job security), social needs (friendship), self-esteem, and self-actualization. This hierarchy can be used by managers to better understand employees’ needs and motivation and address them in ways that lead to high productivity and job satisfaction.

At the bottom of the pyramid are the physiological (or basic) human needs that are required for survival: food, shelter, water, sleep, etc. If these requirements are not met, the body cannot continue to function. Faced with a lack of food, love, and safety, most people would probably consider food to be their most urgent need.

Once physical needs are satisfied, individual safety takes precedence. Safety and security needs include personal security, financial security, and health and well-being. These first two levels are important to the physical survival of the person. Once individuals have basic nutrition, shelter, and safety, they seek to fulfill higher-level needs.

The third level of need is love and belonging, which are psycho-social needs; when individuals have taken care of themselves physically, they can address their need to share and connect with others. Deficiencies at this level, on account of neglect, shunning, ostracism, etc., can impact an individual’s ability to form and maintain emotionally significant relationships. Humans need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, whether it comes from a large social group or a small network of family and friends. Other sources of social connection may be professional organizations, clubs, religious groups, social media sites, and so forth. Humans need to love and be loved (sexually and non-sexually) by others. Without these attachments, people can be vulnerable to psychological difficulties such as loneliness, social anxiety, and depression (and these conditions, when severe, can impair a person’s ability to address basic physiological needs such as eating and sleeping).

The fourth level is esteem, which represents the normal human desire to be valued and validated by others, through, for example, the recognition of success or status. This level also includes self-esteem, which refers to the regard and acceptance one has for oneself. Imbalances at this level can result in low self-esteem or an inferiority complex. People suffering from low self-esteem may find that external validation by others—through fame, glory, accolades, etc.—only partially or temporarily fulfills their needs at this level.

At the top of the pyramid is self-actualization. At this stage, people feel that they have reached their full potential and are doing everything they’re capable of. Self-actualization is rarely a permanent feeling or state. Rather, it refers to the ongoing need for personal growth and discovery that people have throughout their lives. Self-actualization may occur after reaching an important goal or overcoming a particular challenge, and it may be marked by a new sense of self-confidence or contentment.

Hierarchy of Needs and Organizational Theory

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is relevant to organizational theory because both are concerned with human motivation. Understanding what people need—and how people’s needs differ—is an important part of effective management. For example, some people work primarily for money (and fulfill their other needs elsewhere), but others like to go to work because they enjoy their coworkers or feel respected by others and appreciated for their good work. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that if a lower need is not met, then the higher ones will be ignored. For example, if employees lack job security and are worried that they will be fired, they will be far more concerned about their financial well-being and meeting lower needs (paying rent, bills, etc.) than about friendships and respect at work. However, if employees receive adequate financial compensation (and have job security), meaningful group relationships and praise for good work may be more important motivators.

When needs aren’t met, employees can become very frustrated. For example, if someone works hard for a promotion and doesn’t get the recognition it represents, she may lose motivation and put in less effort. Also, when a need is met, it will no longer serve a motivating function—the next level up in the needs hierarchy will become more important. From a management point of view, keeping one’s employees motivated can seem like something of a moving target. People seldom fit neatly into pyramids or diagrams, and their needs are complicated and often change over time. For example, Maria is a long-time employee who is punctual, does high-quality work, and is well liked by her coworkers. However, her supervisor begins to notice that she is coming in late and seems distracted at work. He concludes that Maria is bored with her job and wants to leave. When he calls her into his office for her semiannual performance appraisal, he brings up these matters. To his surprise and chagrin, the supervisor learns that Maria’s husband lost his job six months ago and, unable to keep up with mortgage payments, the two have been living in a local hotel. Maria has moved down the needs pyramid, and, if the supervisor wants to be an effective manager, he must adapt the motivational approaches he uses with her. In short, a manager’s best strategy is to recognize this complexity and try to remain attuned to what employees say they need.

Nurses operate daily, keeping efficiency intact and safety as the highest priority at all costs. With the help of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, they alleviate their clients’ optimum health through effective Management of interventions.

Learn how Maslow had presented all of these needs with a straightforward way to understand them through a pyramid.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Founded in 1943 by an American psychologist, Abraham Maslow, who owned Russian origins
It serves as the ultimate basis for medical teams to set their patient care, especially in prioritization.
It came from Maslow’s curiosity why men don’t aspire for something that matches its complex nature considering his spiritual self
Was divided into D-needs and B-needs.
A conceptualized human needs model is represented through a pyramid in an ascending order starting with physiological needs as the base, safety, and security at the second level, love and belongingness on the third, self-esteem on the fourth, and the last sits atop the summit, self-actualization.

The Hierarchy

5 Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

1. Physiological or Basic Needs

Needs at this level root from the bodies’ calling to growth. Hence, an adaptation of the word ‘physiological.’
Attending to these needs assures one’s survival.
Deteriorates one’s physical performance and thought process if not met
Needs immediate action such as food, oxygen, air, water, shelter, even sex, (with that basic instinct to breed)
Nurses take this as the first that needs to be attended to above all. Understanding the nature of these needs helps the nursing care plan to prioritize efficiently.
Examples of which would be freeing the nasogastric tube (NGT) of any obstruction to inflow and outflow, timely appropriate intake and output (I&O), and checking placements of IV, assuring overall bedside care.

2. Safety and Security Needs

The need for protection and stability falls under this level.
- - Example: shelter, a peaceful community, an environment free from toxic and hazardous chemicals, clothing, a job, means for transportation

It becomes an essential need if a person’s survival is at stake.
Its emergence pertains to the environment the person is moving at or moving into; Take the scenario of a patient who has paralysis. There’s the risk for embolism, bedsore, and falls – all of which account for safety and security needs. But if pulmonary embolism happens and the patient goes into cardiac arrest, physiologic needs arise since it puts a threat to survival.
Man’s ability to perform or function deteriorates if these needs are not met. For example, if the bedside railing is not secure, the patient may feel stressed out, affecting his ability to have a sound sleep.
Physiological needs may also be compromised if a person doesn’t feel safe and secure because it makes him chronically stressed. Stress manifests an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate.
If blood pressure reaching 180/120 is measured and is left untreated, life expectancy is decreased, and the chance for PVD or pulmonary vascular disease increases. This means an 80% chance of dying sooner than expected to make the average rate for survival to just 10 months.
Not immediate, but if not met, it may affect the fulfillment of physiologic needs.
- - Example: access to clean air – If you are admitted to the hospital, and you get viral infection within the premises, this is a perceived deficiency affecting safety and security. But as the air gets contaminated, the physiological need for it becomes deficient and overlays the need for security and safety needs.

The need to have access to medical care, emergency personnel, police, and a fire station all fall under here too
In terms of bedside care, safety and security needs include freedom from nosocomial or hospital-acquired infection, absence of faulty medical equipment, malpractice, and inappropriate diagnostic procedures.
Some hospital policies and operational guidelines are based on looking after a client’s safety and security needs, such as preparing an occupied bed, moving patients, and access to a crash cart.

3. Love and Belongingness

It seems to appear and get acknowledged when the first two levels are satisfied.
How people regard their social life, communities, and connections fall under love and belongingness
This is the satisfaction that comes from knowing you are not alone and that you have somebody to relate to.
The need for ‘belongingness,’ being an inherent trait amongst human beings, poses serious psychological consequences and affectation when not met.
It gives a deeper desire of wanting to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Triggered by the realization that a life’s journey becomes worthless when they don’t have somebody to share it with, nor does it seem worth attaining if they end up on their own.
- - Example: getting married, being part of an association, getting baptized to be in a certain religious group.

In the clinical setting, having a support group and getting hold of the same people who had the same experiences, such as AA or Alcoholics Anonymous and Drug Rehabilitation Centers, are means to satisfy these needs.

Many treatments include alleviating quality of life as part of interventions given to patients. As Florence Nightingale practiced it during her own time, the backbone for bedside care is the consideration of a human need for care and empathy.
Also, much miraculous healing and recovery may be attributed to the fulfillment of such needs.
Where concepts of touch therapy, co-bedding amongst twins, and breastfeeding were based upon
Reproductive health and family planning also support social and intimacy needs.

4. Esteem Needs

Needs that pertain to the natural desire to be accepted and valued
Refers to the need to be respected to gain self-confidence
In Nursing, esteem needs include those which concern independence, dexterity, and mental control. Considering those reaching senescence that may be compromised of independence remarkably. Not to mention debilitated patients, patients who are in post-op, amputated patients, and those who had negative vaccine results. Some had come out injured from their workplace, which could limit their dexterity. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one. And finally, there’s great anxiety and stress that may result from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for example, that could disrupt self-esteem and sense of functionality.
A pursuit that can be achieved in two ways:

1. Esteem needs to be met on their own

Example: gaining control, paying bills, performing activities of daily living independently, and knowing how to read and write.

2. Esteem needs to be met by others

Example: Reputation, promotion, being seen as an inspiration, and becoming an influence

These needs and the first three levels complete the Deficiency Needs.

5. Self – Actualization

Reaching and realizing one’s full potential in terms of talent and skills.
The more it gets fulfilled, the more the need for it grows.
Usually observed and gauged in tertiary intervention when applied to bedside care. Nurses feed the will of patients in recovery by grading their performances.
- For example, surgical doctors who were able to operate again after successful occupational therapy, cancer-free after chemotherapy, and senile people whose independence are still intact.

Note: This is the only set of needs that belong to Being Needs, also known as the B-Needs.

D-needs vs B-needs

The grand difference can be derived from their names. Deficiency Needs (D-Needs) that fall from Level 1 to 4 arise when a deficiency is felt. The need for protection addresses the lack of resources. And the more they get satisfied, the lesser the demand, the lesser they become needs.

Example: Hunger results from food deficiency as much as thirst results from water deficiency. When you are tired, it means you lack rest.

Compared to the Being Needs (B-Needs), whose main focus is self-actualization, these needs pertain to a person’s drive to reach something bigger than oneself. It resides on top of the pyramid’s summit representing the highest achievement a person can be defined with. These needs are all about becoming the most one can be, reaching the utmost potential that they have. And this includes the creative aspect. What’s remarkable about it is how it opposes the D-Needs.

While D-Needs emerge from a lack of being needs, they arise from having it satisfied in the first place. To put it in perspective, the more you attend to the B-Needs, the more the demand for it grows. Owning a patent, earning a PhD, and even as simple as writing and having a book published are forms of Being Needs getting satisfied. Being Needs is also known as Growth Needs.

Needs vs Wants

Wants – things a person long to have; often what you wish for

Example: Car, a diamond ring, a mansion, a million dollars

Needs – are necessary wants; usually prioritized according to a person’s survival

instinct; needs to be prioritized

Example: Water, food, sleep, education, family, legacy

What is the essence of a pyramid in the hierarchy’s arrangement?

The pyramid was the chosen model for this theory by Maslow because of his desire to create an ideal structure for man to follow in pursuing his purpose. It is brilliant in many ways, where it serves as a reminder to all that prioritization is key.
Universally, pyramids have a strong base supporting everything that sits atop, providing a sturdy hold on the ground. Looking at how Maslow developed his hierarchy of needs, it does serve as a cornerstone for many behavioral studies.
Non-negotiable needs are on the base since it provides the ultimate assurance for fulfilling the other needs once attended to faithfully.
In this regard, a nursing care plan is guided into formulating radical interventions following a logical sequence of attending to needs through Maslow’s model. While considering a patient’s plan of treatments as a whole, pieces of how to reach such an overall wellness goal were strongly mandated in full awareness of how each contributes to the implementation.

The shapes and directions the pyramid represents.

How each stage of needs is presented in a pyramid captured many because of the intricate truth it represents. While our spirit’s aspirations cannot be fulfilled by our spirit alone, it should remain balanced considering the basic needs. Hence, its allocation on the first level serving as a sturdy base.
The base lends support, and the summit represents upward direction and definition in parallel with the motives of self-actualization.
Subjectively, all humans possess a different learning curve. How we project our interpretation of a pyramid reflects how we prioritize. Ideally, following the pyramid is the way, but human personalities are always complex. But its imperfection creates waves of learning opportunities.
And when each person is regarded individually, their esteem needs become sturdy. There are tremendous results that root from this most, especially amongst patients who have stayed in the hospital because of chronic conditions.

How is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Helpful?

1. It serves as a basis for all business models in which success is always one of the strongest pursuits. What many do not know was that Maslow, in the very last days of his long life, longed for more businesses to consider offering products that lead people into fulfilling self-actualization rather than paying attention only to the basic ones.

2. It provides an ideal life structure for many people who seek direction on how to fulfill their purpose.

3. It is the basis of medical and nursing applications acknowledging both physiological and psychological needs.

4. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs served as the basis for nursing care plans. The decision-making and prioritization processes for critical Management and bedside care follow the hierarchy faithfully. Though in consideration of the other prioritization models such as ABC (airway, breathing, circulation) and other psychological theories, Abraham Maslow’s seem to be the most applicable until today.

Application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Modern Nursing

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Nursing

A nurse had been regarded as more than just a giver of health care because, besides her knowledge in medicine, she has high regard for benevolence in providing care for her patients to the best of her ability. And one of every nurses’ important tasks is to look after their welfare, attending to both physiological and psychological needs.

As Maslow conceptualized this hierarchy of needs, it had been in every nurses’ toolbox to be regarded as the proper guide in conducting a physical assessment, attending to emergency care, and planning nursing interventions while regarding prioritization and optimum health.

Nurses consider this in pain management as well, in which only the patient’s subjective interpretation is the only basis for how extensive the treatment should be adjusted. Considering the hierarchy of needs by Maslow as the backbone of patient care priorities, Management had improved remarkably. It is the only guide that addresses self-actualization, which may be attained at different levels.

It could be as simple as autonomy, independence, and an increased range of motion after a great trauma or surgery. All of which alleviates a person’s depressive state into embracing drive, a positive mindset, and willingness. So, this way, both physiological and psychological aspect’s needs are met.

All in the same way, nurses are helped themselves as they give patient care. Often, nurses face a lack of workforce that they had to attend to more than 8 patients per shift. But as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs gives them enlightenment in prioritization, nurses plan better, allowing them to manage their time for their work while imparting quality care.

They realize the consequence of not eating on time, not having adequate rest, and how exhaustion could affect a person’s ability to do tasks. So, they make sure they find time to get some relaxation and socialization when they can without feeling guilty, nervous, or exhausted.

Maslow had been aiding all nurses in doing their jobs efficiently. It provides overall clarity in each intervention they perform and each patient care they provide.

References

A Theory of Human Motivation – Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-96 paper proposed by Maslow, A. H. (1943)
2. Motivation and Personality: 3RD Edition – book by Maslow A.H. revised by Roger Fraser, James Fadiman, Cynthia McReynolds, and Ruth Cox (1997)
3. Maslow on Management – book by Abraham Maslow (1965)