What is the foundation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

The foundation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is the concept of physiological needs. This level represents the most basic requirements for human survival, including necessities such as air, water, food, shelter, and sleep. According to Maslow’s theory, these fundamental needs must be satisfied before individuals can move on to address higher-level needs, such as safety, love and belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization. The hierarchy suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill these lower-level needs first, as they are crucial for physical well-being and functioning. Only once these needs are met can individuals progress towards establishing more complex aspects of their lives, such as social relationships and personal development. This foundational role highlights the importance of basic survival requirements in human motivation and behavior.