According to Maslow, self-actualization occurs at which stage of his hierarchy of needs?

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Prepare for the UCF PSY2012 General Psychology Final! Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Self-actualization represents the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. This theory posits that human motivations are arranged in a five-tier model, often depicted as a pyramid. At the base of the pyramid are physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter. As one progresses up the hierarchy, individuals seek to meet safety, love and belonging, and esteem needs. Once these lower-level needs are fulfilled, a person can then aspire to self-actualization, which is characterized by personal growth, fulfillment, and the realization of one’s potential. This stage includes the desire to become everything that one is capable of becoming, which could manifest in various ways such as pursuing creative endeavors, achieving personal goals, or contributing to society. Thus, locating self-actualization at the top of the hierarchy underscores its status as a culmination of human motivation and psychological development.