Dietetic Technician Practice Test

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which need must be met first?

1. Social needs

2. Safety needs

3. Self-esteem needs

4. Physiological needs

The correct answer is: Physiological needs

In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the foundational level consists of physiological needs, which are the most basic requirements for human survival. These include essentials such as air, water, food, shelter, and sleep. According to Maslow's theory, individuals must first satisfy these basic needs before they can progress to higher-level needs such as safety, social connections, and self-esteem. The rationale is that without addressing physiological needs, individuals are unlikely to focus on other aspects of their wellbeing. For instance, if a person is struggling to obtain sufficient food or is lacking adequate shelter, their mental and emotional resources will primarily be devoted to addressing those immediate concerns, leaving little room for social relationships or achieving self-esteem. Hence, it’s essential that physiological needs are met first in order to facilitate the pursuit of higher-level psychological and social needs.