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Need satisfaction progresses in a hierarchical manner, beginning with physiological needs such as hunger and thirst and culminating in self-actualization. Once lower-level needs are satisfied, individuals progress to higher levels of development. Maslow proposed five levels: physiological, safety, belongingness and love, esteem, and self-actualization.

* Physiological Needs

Maslow proposed that the human body seeks to maintain a constant normal state of the blood stream called ―homeostasis. Hunger, thirst, and maintaining an appropriate body temperature are the most important needs, since they are necessary for survival. If these needs are fulfilled, they cease to serve as determinants of behavior and the person can seek to fulfill higher levels of needs. Other physiological needs such as sexual desire, fatigue, need for activity, or maternal behaviors are important motivators, but are not necessary for survival or homeostasis. Obtaining adequate sleep, receiving basic nutrients, and remaining free of life threatening illness or injury are also critical to well being. With rare exception, IUKL students are generally able to satisfy basic physiological needs.

* Safety Needs

The next level of needs is comprised of the need for safety and a feeling of stability or security, which come from living in a familiar environment, free from danger. Infants and young children who become upset after being startled or separated from parents are expressing safety needs. Maslow cites needs for a predictable world, a comfortable routine, vocational stability, financial savings, insurance, familiar objects, and, in some cases, religious beliefs as examples of safety needs. Chronic illness can be disruptive to an individual’s sense of safety. Emergencies such as injury or disease, crime, natural disaster, societal disorganization, and war result in the need for safety becoming a primary motivator. While IUKL students generally are able to satisfy safety needs, there...