According to Maslow’s hierarchy, which needs must be met before love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization?

• A. Self-actualization needs
• B. Physiological and safety needs
• C. Love/belonging needs
• D. Esteem needs

Answer: (B)

Maslow’s hierarchy shows motivation building from basic survival up to growth and self-fulfillment. At the base are physiological needs—food, water, warmth, rest—and safety needs like security and stability. These basics have to be satisfied first because, when survival and safety are in question, energy and attention are focused on meeting those urgent needs. Only after these foundational needs are met does motivation shift toward belonging and love, then toward esteem, and finally toward self-actualization. So the needs that must be met before love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization are physiological and safety needs. If someone is hungry or unsafe, higher-level pursuits like forming relationships or pursuing personal growth become secondary to staying alive and secure.