Final answer:
The highest priority in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is physiological needs, essential for survival and the foundation upon which higher-level needs like safety, love and belongingness, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization are addressed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The highest priority in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is physiological needs. These are the fundamental requirements for survival, such as food, water, and shelter. According to Abraham Maslow's theory, these needs must be satisfied before an individual can focus on higher-level needs. Maslow's pyramid then progresses upwards to safety needs, such as personal and financial security, followed by love and belongingness needs, which include relationships and friendships. The fourth level includes esteem needs, involving self-worth and respect from others. At the peak of the pyramid is self-actualization, where an individual realizes their full potential; however, this stage can only be pursued once the other, more basic needs have been met. It is also noteworthy that Maslow later introduced the concept of self-transcendence as a level above self-actualization, representing the pursuit of meaning beyond one's self.