How The Levels Of Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs May Contribute To Mental Health

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a well-known theory of motivation based on the idea that our actions are motivated by both physiological and psychological needs. Maslow’s framework has important implications for our mental health, helping us understand the crucial role self-fulfillment can play in our lives. A licensed therapist can help you meet your needs and achieve your goals through in-person or online therapy.

Abraham Maslow and his theory of motivation

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a widely cited theory of human motivation. Maslow’s ideas represented a departure from the then-dominant psychological theories of behaviorism and psychoanalysis.

Who was Abraham Maslow?

Abraham Maslow was an influential American psychologist whose work centered around human growth and motivation. A pioneer in humanistic psychology, Maslow conducted extensive research on self-fulfillment and mental wellness, eventually developing his own theoretical framework, which he outlined in the paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” (Maslow, 1943).

Maslow’s theory of motivation

Maslow believed that to progress and grow as human beings, basic needs must be met before moving on to more advanced needs. Maslow’s theory primarily focused on how individuals can achieve happiness instead of examining problematic behaviors, which is what existing theories were largely concerned with at the time. In general, there are five levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, each of which can affect an individual’s well-being: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. 

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Security, love and belonging, etc.

The needs Maslow’s hierarchy addresses are typically divided into five parts and organized in a pyramid structure. Maslow believed that, generally, someone must meet the needs at each level before moving up to the next one, although some people may advance through them in a different order.

Starting from the base of the pyramid and moving to the top, these needs can include the following:

Physiological needs

Physiological needs usually form the foundation of the pyramid. These needs typically encompass all the physical things humans need to survive, including air, water, food, clothing, shelter, sleep, and reproduction. Basic physiological needs may all serve to help the body function properly. Without these needs being met, one usually cannot progress to the next level of the pyramid.

Safety needs

The next level in Maslow’s hierarchy is safety needs, which generally refers to the things people need to help them feel safe and secure. Safety needs can include various things, from a job to health insurance, property, and protection against injury. Maslow believed that physiological and safety needs must normally be met before someone could advance to higher levels on the pyramid.

Love and belonging needs

In this level of the pyramid, love and belonging needs typically include the emotional bond we feel toward others, our need to feel accepted as we are, and a desire to feel a sense of belonging to a group. These needs can be met in various ways: familial love, romantic love, friendships, or being a part of a group or unit. Often, multiple people and groups can contribute to our need for love and belonging being met.

Esteem needs

Esteem needs often refer to a person’s desire to have a positive and stable relationship with themselves. These needs can vary between wanting competence and achievement, as well as admiration, respect, and status. When these needs are met, the person generally feels confident and effective instead of inferior and discouraged.

Self-actualization needs

At the top of the pyramid are self-actualization needs. These are usually the needs that relate to growth, progress, and peak human flourishing. People who reach this level of the pyramid typically focus on personal accomplishment and fulfilling their potential. They typically aren’t as concerned with other people’s opinions but instead want to use their capabilities and talents to their utmost potential. 

Two categories of needs in Maslow’s theory

Maslow’s pyramid generally contains many different needs, which can ultimately be classified into two types: deficiency needs and growth needs.

Deficiency needs – Love and belonging, self-esteem, etc.

Deficiency needs tend to refer to the needs at the bottom of the pyramid and result from being deprived of something. In general, people need to fulfill their basic physiological, safety, love, and esteem needs before they’re able to focus on other areas. 

Growth needs – Spirituality, learning, etc.

Growth needs are typically at the top of the pyramid. These needs don’t usually result from a lack of something. Instead, they tend to stem from a desire to improve and thrive.

Maslow’s theory and mental health

The levels of human needs in Maslow’s theory can build on one another, leading to the top of the pyramid. Failing to meet some of these needs—particularly those at the bottom—can make it difficult to progress and may negatively impact your mental health. 

Meeting your physiological needs can set a solid foundation from which to grow, which is likely to have a positive effect on your mental health. However, some people might face more barriers to meeting these needs than others. 

Studies show that lack of income can contribute to mental illness and that experiencing poverty early in life can increase the chances of malnutrition, which can be a serious risk factor for developing a mental illness as an adult.

Unmet safety needs can also affect mental health. In fact, they’re usually so important that some researchers have argued that safety needs should come before physiological needs. These researchers have also suggested that unmet safety needs can result in depression, and that this condition may arise from worrying about one’s safety and not having the resources to be able to cope effectively. When you feel safe and secure, it can alleviate fear and anxiety, potentially allowing you to focus on other aspects of life and continue to move up the pyramid.

Unmet love and belonging needs can also negatively affect mental health. Research shows that loneliness can have many significant effects on someone’s mental health, including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, as well as cognitive disorders like dementia. 

How navigating Maslow’s hierarchy can improve mental health

People who feel close to and accepted by others tend to have lower levels of depression and anxiety, as well as higher self-esteem. They even tend to live longer than those who are less socially connected. When you have a sense of belonging from friendships, family ties, or romantic relationships, it may alleviate loneliness and ward off mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. 

Esteem needs, which are high up on the pyramid, can positively affect your mental health when met, potentially easing concerns like low self-esteem or an inferiority complex. It can be crucial to have a positive view of yourself, believe in your abilities, and find your purpose. Achieving your esteem needs can empower you to reach the top of the pyramid and achieve self-actualization, a process that may look different for everyone.

Learning to navigate Maslow’s hierarchy in therapy

If you feel like you’re experiencing the consequences of having unmet basic human needs, or if you need help determining how to move to the higher levels of Maslow’s hierarchy, talking to a therapist can be useful. A qualified mental health professional can help you identify which of your needs are not being met and what you can do to achieve personal growth. 

Benefits of mental health care through online therapy

If you’re having trouble finding a local therapist with available appointments or feel uncomfortable talking to someone face-to-face, online therapy might be a suitable alternative to in-person care. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that can match you with a vetted, qualified therapist, usually within 48 hours. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your own home and communicate with your therapist via video sessions, online chat, or phone calls. Having a caring and supportive professional in your corner may be helpful as you seek personal growth and development.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Research shows that online treatment tends to be just as efficacious as in-person sessions. While research specifically focused on the efficacy of online therapy for unmet needs may be needed, a 2022 meta-analysis found that there is usually no difference between client outcomes from online and in-person therapy.