What is the correct order of Maslow's hierarchy of needs from lowest to highest?

• A. Physiological, safety, belonging and love, self-actualization
• B. Physiological, safety, self-esteem, belonging and love, self-actualization
• C. Physiological, safety, belonging and love, self-actualization, self-esteem
• D. Physiological, safety, belonging and love, self-esteem, self-actualization

Answer: (D)

Maslow’s hierarchy moves from basic survival needs up to personal growth needs, so the lowest level is physiological needs (air, water, food, shelter, sleep), then safety needs (security and stability), then social needs (belonging and love through connection with others), then esteem needs (recognition, respect, and a sense of competence), and finally self-actualization (realizing and reaching one’s full potential). The correct order reflects this progression, placing belonging and love before self-esteem and self-esteem before self-actualization.

The other options misorder these levels: one skips self-esteem or moves self-actualization ahead of esteem, which contradicts the idea that growth needs come after the foundational social and esteem needs.