Who is credited with the Pyramid of Needs theory?

The Pyramid of Needs theory is credited to Abraham Maslow, who developed the concept in the 1940s. His theory, known as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, is often depicted as a pyramid with five levels of needs arranged in a hierarchical order. The foundational level consists of basic physiological needs, such as food and shelter, and as individuals fulfill these, they can progress to higher levels, including safety, social belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization at the top.

This framework emphasizes that individuals must satisfy their basic needs before they can attend to higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs. It has been influential in various fields, including psychology, education, and organizational behavior, as it helps to understand human motivation and personal development. By recognizing these levels, educators and caregivers can better support children’s development by ensuring that their fundamental needs are met to facilitate their ability to learn and grow.