Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

What if your own fulfillment was not only dependent on you but on the basic needs present for each human being? What if understanding your needs would allow you to approach more easily a feeling of well-being?

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1. WHAT IS MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS ?

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs was created by Abraham Maslow in the 1950s. Later, this theory will be represented (wrongly) by a pyramid. This pyramid makes it possible to categorize the needs of individuals in the form of 5 different levels. This pyramid took shape by working on a theory of hierarchy of needs and motivations of individuals. 

Needs are therefore central for Maslow. Its pyramid allows for hierarchizing the needs of individuals. Indeed, even if each individual is unique, our needs are common to all. In order to realize the different needs, those of the lower levels must first be satisfied. The satisfaction of these basic needs will allow the individual to access the well-being.

2. MASLOW’S PYRAMID IN DETAIL

Here are the 5 needs named by Maslow

Physiological needs :

These needs constitute the foundation, the base of the pyramid. In these physiological needs therefore to maintain survival and the internal balance of the individual. 

- How to satisfy its physiological needs ?

We can for example find the fact of eating, sleeping, drinking … If these needs are not satisfied, the individual’s main motivation will be to fulfill them, leaving no room for other needs.

Security needs :

Once physiological needs are met, the individual can begin to achieve some of his or her secure needs. These are part of a more social sphere, and will lead to specific behaviors that may vary from one culture to another. They are going to be dependent on the stability of the family circle, the income level or the mental health of the individual. There are two types of security, physical security and mental safety. 

- How to satisfy this need for security ?

In these needs we can find the fact of having a security of housing, employment or physical security. These needs can be met individually or collectively

Need for social belonging :

These needs represent the third level of the pyramid. This level appeals to the social dimension of the individual. The need to belong is essential for the proper development of the individual. If this one is not satisfied, the person can create an attachment or an overdependence that will lead to a loss of autonomy. 

- How to satisfy this need for social belonging ?

The person will need to feel accepted in a group, to feel loved, to have a social status. Thus we all need love, affection, socialization, communication…

Esteem and self-esteem needs :

Once we are integrated into a company or group, weneed to be recognized as our own entity, to be appreciated and valued. So we need to be considered by other people, to have respect and value.

In this category also enters the self-esteem that is to say the self-evaluation of ourselves. An individual who is valued by others may not have high self-esteem and vice versa. 

- How to satisfy this need for self-esteem?

Different means can satisfy these needs. There will be material needs (housing, car…) and immaterial needs (social status, degree… ). The means to satisfy self-esteem vary according to cultures, times and people. Self-esteem can be fulfilled by what you have or what you are.

Needs for self-realization, accomplishment :

This level is the 5th and final level of Maslow’s needs pyramid. According to Maslow’s theory, this can only be achieved if the 4 previous ones have been satisfied. The realization of self is an active, not a passive process. The goal is to act !

- How to satisfy this need for self-realization ?

Thus the individual needs to develop himself, to increase his knowledge, to develop certain values, or to reach a personal goal. The person will seek to fulfill themselves as a person.

3. CRITICISMS OF MASLOW’S PYRAMID

This Pyramid of Needs is subject to much criticism from various professionals. 

  • Maslow does not sufficiently emphasize the importance of social relationships : Indeed, the culture can modify the basic needs of this pyramid. If the individual is in a collectivist society, for example, the group is going to be of much greater importance than in an individualist society. In the same way, according to the periods, the geographical places … The different needs will not have the same importance. 
  • A thinking of needs that is too linear and schematic : The human being and his psychological processes are complex and cannot fit into well defined cases. Some of our needs can manifest themselves in a joint way and not one after the other, having the same importance for the individual. 


Still, it is important to qualify this hierarchy of needs. Maslow explains in particular that the emergence of needs does not occur suddenly and unexpectedly but appears little by little in a gradual way. That is to say that as one need begins to be satisfied the next begins to surface little by little.

4. WHAT DOES MASLOW’S THEORY OF HIERARCHY OF NEEDS PROVIDE ?

This Maslow pyramid is part of his theory of motivation. Indeed, this pyramid allows us to understand what lies behind our motivations. Thus, a better understanding of the different needs of individuals would make it easier to find the levers of motivation and commitment on a daily basis. The more the needs are met, the more the person will be committed to the task.

Conversely, if the previous needs are not sufficiently fulfilled, the person will present less commitment to the task, which can lead to more difficulties with change.

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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