Final answer:
Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is based on the concept that fulfilling basic needs is essential for growth and self-actualization.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Abraham Maslow's theory, the hierarchy of needs rests on the concept that basic needs must be met for growth to occur. This is the foundational theory that Maslow's hierarchy is built upon. The idea is that individuals are motivated to fulfill their basic needs like food, water, and shelter before they can attend to higher-level growth needs such as social connections and self-esteem. Ultimately, once these lower-level needs are satisfied, individuals can pursue self-actualization, which is achieving one's full potential and possibly even transcendence, where the focus shifts to a sense of purpose beyond oneself.