Maslow's theory proposes a hierarchy of basic human needs, with physiological needs like food and shelter at the bottom, followed by safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization at the top. The theory suggests that lower level needs must be satisfied before higher level needs can be addressed. For learning to occur, basic needs like food, water, shelter and safety must first be met. Once these needs are addressed, people can focus on belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization and personal growth.

1. Maslow’s Theory of Basic Needs & Learning
In today’s post we will be discussing one of the key theories that you need to know for the ASWB
bachelor’s social work exam. Abraham Maslow (April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970) researched and
created this theory by studying people who were in the top 1% healthiest people in his community,
and world known influential people. He study the healthiest instead of those that are would be
considered dysfunctional, because studying those considered dysfunctional would lead to a
dysfunctional philosophy.
He came to the understanding that there are basic needs that must be met before one is able to focus
on learning. These needs are so important that no one can survive without them.
One thing you will need to remember for the social work exam in regards to Maslow’s is his
hierarchy of needs. Maslow’s Hierarchy pyramid’s foundation starts with Biological and
Physiological needs. A human being cannot function well without water for example, so these
needs are critical for human survival. Just like the Egyptian and Mayan pyramids, without a strong
and secure foundation all other steps based on top of it will not hold/prevail.
Basic/Physiological Needs

2. • Metabolic Requirements
ex.) Air/Water/Food/Sleep
• Protection From Environment
ex.) Clothing/Shelter/Education, like passing the social work exam
• Procreation
ex.) Sex
The second step from the bottom on the Hierarchy is Safety Needs. Once people don’t have to
worry about their basic survival needs they yearn and focus more on protection from injustice as
well as their financial needs. They seek fairness and order in the world. When they feel free from
danger, (and can be comfortable) they are able to learn more about their environment and reach out
to others.
Safety Needs
• Financial
ex.) Savings Account/ Insurance Policies/Stability
• Justice
ex.) Security/Law/Order/Grievance Procedures
• Physical Needs
ex.) Doctor/Dentist/Eye Care
The next stage of the pyramid is Belongingness and Love Needs. When people are about to feel
comfortable about connecting with others, they feel that they have a group to belong too. They also
feel that they can reach out to the experts in their lives/community to promote learning. In this stage
groups, clubs, social work exam study groups, and activities are important. People can meet others
that have the same types of interests as they do. Feeling connected and loved by a community helps
build a healthy self esteem as well as self-appreciation.
Belongingness and Love Needs
• Social Groups/Friendships
ex.) School/Work/Church
• Intimacy
ex.) Affection/Love/Significant Other
The fourth stage is Self-Esteem Needs. Once a person has found their place in groups they discover
activities that they love to do. By doing this they are able build up their self esteem. People will
seek satisfaction through their achievements and will work towards their desired reputation. At
work they will seek responsibility and try to work up the ladder of success.

3. Esteem Needs
• Achievements
ex.) Status/Reputation/Responsibility
For the social work exam you should know that Maslow called these four stages of the pyramid
“deficiency needs”/”d-needs”. Although physical needs are a part of the “d-needs”, physiological
needs are NOT. If the “d-needs” are not meet, the body would not even consider to focus its
motivation on higher level of needs, such as spirituality. The person will feel anxious and tense.
The last stage you will need to recall for the social work exam of Maslow’s main five Hierarchy
Pyramid is Self-Actualization. Being a Humanist, Maslow believes that humans strive to reach
their fullest potential. People who look for wisdom and personal growth have mastered the other
stages of this hierarchy, and are fully functional.
Self-Actualization
• Fulfillment/Personal Growth
Ex.) Spirituality
So what do you need to know about Maslow for the social work exam? Well in summary for a
person to become fully functional, their environment must be in a healthy condition. For example a
person can’t look for activity groups if they are deprived of food and water. If people are not able to
grow in a healthy environment they tend to became depressed, have anxiety, and may develop a
inferiority complex. This hierarchy shows that there are basic categories that must be met, before
the individual will seek higher categories.