Final answer:
The client's struggle with engaging in book club discussions pertains to 'love and belonging,' the third tier of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which focuses on the need for interpersonal relationships and a sense of community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The client's feeling of being disconnected during her book club discussions aligns with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, specifically the level of love and belonging. This level focuses on the human need for interpersonal relationships and community connections, reflecting our desire for friendship, trust, and acceptance within group dynamics.
According to Maslow's theory, once an individual's physiological and safety needs are met, the third tier of the pyramid — love and belonging — becomes a primary motivator. The client's concern about not being engaged in conversations during the book club meetings indicates an unmet need for social interaction and a sense of belonging within that group. Fulfillment of these needs is crucial for moving up in the hierarchy of needs, paving the road towards higher levels, such as self-esteem and self-actualization. In this case, the need for love and belonging must be addressed to enable the client to progress towards developing self-esteem, characterized by feelings of worthiness and recognition, and eventually self-actualization, which involves reaching one's full potential.