Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs |
Overview of physiological needs
Why are they important?
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, physiological needs (e.g. food, water, sleep) are the fundamental factors that allow the onset of need satisfaction because of their relation to physical and psychological survival. For example food and water are necessary for survival, if these needs are not adequately met, the likelihood of satisfying other needs diminishes (Poduska, 1992). Therefore, it is important to primarily satisfy survival needs before progressing to the next phase of the hierarchical ladder. However, not everyone has the luxury to satisfy his or her physiological needs because of financial hardships, such as, struggling to pay the mortgage.
|
How can I satify this need?
Empirical research illustrates how people put priority in paying bills for a house or a new car over buying food. In other words, after paying bills they use the left over money to buy food. Poduska (1992) suggests, from a hierarchical perspective, that this process should be reverse because according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs food should be the priority for survival purposes. In addition, it is implicated that when survival needs become a secondary priority, it causes more financial hardship and more psychological distress. For example, one is likely to use the limited left over money to buy affordable food, such as, microwave dinners. Thus, food choice is limited, “nutritionally insufficient,” and less enjoyable, which potentially causes “higher medical expenses” and psychological distress (Poduska, 1992). Hence, making physiological needs a priority is not only essential for one’s physical health and survival, but also for one’s psychological well being.