Final answer:
Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes that basic physiological and safety requirements must be met before an individual can focus on higher-level needs such as love/belonging, esteem, cognitive, and aesthetic needs, leading up to self-actualization. In Maslow's later work, he identified additional growth needs and a new level of self-transcendence above self-actualization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hierarchy of Needs and Self-Actualization
Abraham Maslow introduced a framework known as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, picturing a pyramid with different levels of human needs. The fundamental concept is that one must satisfy lower-level needs before one can address higher-level needs. Maslow identified growth needs that are instrumental in reaching self-actualization, which represents our full potential as humans.
In Maslow's later work, he identified additional categories of needs. Self-actualization sits at the top of this hierarchy and is the need that equates to achieving one's full potential. However, before self-actualization can be sought, there are other needs that must be fulfilled. The pyramid's base consists of physiological needs, followed by safety and security needs, then love and belonging needs, and after that esteem needs. Maslow's hierarchy further includes cognitive and aesthetic needs between esteem needs and self-actualization.
It's important to note that the concept of self-actualization is considered an ongoing, life-long process, attained by a small percentage of individuals. Moreover, in his later years, Maslow also proposed a level known as self-transcendence above self-actualization, which represents a desire to achieve meaning and purpose beyond self-centric concerns.