According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following is considered the most basic level that must be satisfied before higher needs can be addressed?

• A. Esteem needs
• B. Love and belongingness needs
• C. Self-actualization needs
• D. Physiological needs

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.
2. Recognize that the hierarchy starts with the most basic needs at the bottom and progresses to higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs at the top.
3. Identify the levels from bottom to top as: Physiological needs, Safety needs, Love and belongingness needs, Esteem needs, and Self-actualization needs.
4. Note that the most basic level, Physiological needs, includes fundamental requirements for human survival such as food, water, warmth, and rest, which must be satisfied before addressing higher-level needs.
5. Conclude that because these physiological needs are foundational, they must be met first before an individual can focus on higher needs like esteem or self-actualization.