FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following represents the highest level of need in Maslow's hierarchy?

1. Belongingness and love

2. Esteem

3. Safety

4. Self-actualization

The correct answer is: Self-actualization

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization represents the highest level of need. This level signifies the realization of an individual's full potential and personal growth. It encompasses the pursuit of personal goals, creativity, self-awareness, and the desire for self-fulfillment. When individuals reach this stage, they seek to engage in activities that align with their true self and values, allowing them to become everything that they are capable of becoming. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial, as it suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill basic needs (such as physiological and safety needs) before they can address higher-level psychological needs (like belongingness and esteem) and ultimately move towards self-actualization. This structured approach makes it clear that self-actualization is not just about meeting one's own needs, but also about achieving significant personal growth and enriching one's life through experiences and contributions to society.