Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often depicted as a pyramid consisting
of five levels: the four lower levels are grouped together as being
associated with Physiological needs, while the top level is termed
growth needs associated with psychological needs. Deficiency needs must
be met first. Once these are met, seeking to satisfy growth needs
drives personal growth. The higher needs in this hierarchy only come
into focus when the lower needs in the pyramid are satisfied. Once an
individual has moved upwards to the next level, needs in the lower
level will no longer be prioritized. If a lower set of needs is no
longer being met, the individual will temporarily re-prioritize those
needs by focusing attention on the unfulfilled needs, but will not
permanently regress to the lower level . For instance, a businessman at
the esteem level who is diagnosed with cancer will spend a great deal
of time concentrating on his health (physiological needs), but will
continue to value his work performance (esteem needs) and will likely
return to work during periods of remission.
