Level 3
Recognition of Needs
Maslow’s – Hierarchy of Needs
A Psychologist called Abraham Maslow (1908 – 1970) decided to analyse what ordinary people would call ‘normal’ in an attempt to understand what motivated human behaviour. He theorised that human behaviour largely involves striving to fulfil a series of inter-related needs which are structured in a hierarchical way where the lower levels take precedent over the higher ones i.e. the lower levels have to be fulfilled by before moving up to the next level.
Level 7
Actualisation
Spiritual
Independence
Potential
Mastery
Level 6
Appreciation
Philosophical
Beliefs
Purpose
Patterning
Level 5
Learning
Cognitve
Ability
Understanding
Aspirations
Level 4
Esteem
Emotions
Control
Respect
Worth
Level 3
Belonging
Social
Integration
Relationships
Affection
Level 2
Safety
Behaviour
Lifestyle
Protection
Security
Level 1
Biological
Physiological
Health
Self-Care
Survival
The first part in assessment training is the recognition of human needs and these different interpretations of Maslow’s theory indicates areas to focus attention. Out of choice, the highlighted version provides a broader base to identify social work factors. It should also be mentioned that there is much more to Maslow’s theory than this basic version.