According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which needs must be met first?

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, physiological needs are at the base of the pyramid and must be met first before individuals can focus on higher-level needs. These physiological needs include basic requirements for human survival, such as food, water, warmth, and rest. When these fundamental needs are not sufficiently satisfied, a person’s ability to pursue higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs is significantly impaired.

Higher levels in the hierarchy, such as safety, social belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, depend on the fulfillment of the physiological needs. For example, if a person is hungry or lacks shelter, their primary focus will be on obtaining food and a safe place to live rather than seeking social connections or pursuing personal goals. Thus, the foundation of Maslow's theory emphasizes that without the fulfillment of physiological needs, the individual cannot progress to meet safety needs or any other higher-level needs. This sequence of priority is crucial for understanding human motivation and behavior in both personal and caregiving contexts.