According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following needs must be satisfied before an individual can focus on self-actualization?

• A. Esteem needs
• B. Cognitive needs
• C. Self-actualization needs
• D. Physiological needs

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a motivational theory in psychology, which is often depicted as a pyramid with five levels of needs arranged from the most basic to the most advanced.
2. Identify the levels of needs in order from bottom to top: Physiological needs, Safety needs, Love and Belonging needs, Esteem needs, and finally Self-actualization needs at the top.
3. Recognize that according to Maslow, lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs become the focus of motivation.
4. Note that Physiological needs are the most basic and fundamental needs, such as food, water, and shelter, which must be met before moving on to higher needs like Esteem or Cognitive needs.
5. Conclude that before an individual can focus on self-actualization, their Physiological needs must be satisfied, as these form the foundation of the hierarchy.