What are higher level needs according to Maslow's framework?

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, higher-level needs refer to those that become significant only after the lower-level needs have been satisfied. This framework suggests that human motivations are organized in a pyramid-like structure, ranging from basic physiological requirements at the bottom to more complex psychological needs at the top.

The fulfillment of higher-level needs, such as esteem, belongingness, and self-actualization, hinges on the satisfaction of lower-level needs, which include physiological needs (like food and shelter) and safety needs (like security and stability). Only when these foundational needs are met can individuals truly pursue higher-level motivations, such as the desire for social connections, self-esteem, and personal growth. Thus, understanding this structure emphasizes the importance of addressing and fulfilling basic needs before individuals can aim for more aspirational goals.