Bedürfnispyramide

The Bedürfnispyramide, commonly known as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, is a motivational theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation". It suggests that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, often depicted as a pyramid. The most basic needs are at the bottom, and as these are met, individuals are motivated to pursue higher-level needs.

The pyramid typically consists of five levels. At the base are physiological needs, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep, which are essential for survival. Above these are safety needs, encompassing security, stability, and freedom from fear. Following safety are love and belonging needs, which include friendship, intimacy, and a sense of connection. The fourth level comprises esteem needs, relating to self-esteem, achievement, recognition, and respect from others. Finally, at the apex of the pyramid are self-actualization needs, representing the desire to fulfill one's full potential, creativity, and personal growth.

Maslow's theory posits that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can effectively address higher-level ones. While influential, the Bedürfnispyramide has also faced criticism regarding its rigidity and cross-cultural applicability. Nevertheless, it remains a widely recognized framework for understanding human motivation and well-being.