What does Maslow categorize as deficiency needs?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs distinguishes between deficiency needs and growth needs. Deficiency needs are those that arise from a lack of a certain requirement and include survival, safety, belonging, and self-esteem. These needs must be met for individuals to feel secure and motivated to seek higher-level needs, such as esteem or self-actualization.

Survival needs refer to the basic biological requirements for human existence, such as food, water, and shelter. Safety needs encompass personal and financial security, health, and well-being. Belonging needs relate to emotional relationships, such as friendship and family connections, while self-esteem needs involve the desire for self-respect and recognition from others. When these deficiency needs are unmet, they can lead to motivational issues and hinder personal development.

In contrast, the other options focus on needs that are more aligned with personal growth and fulfillment rather than immediate deficiencies, making them less relevant to the category defined by Maslow as deficiency needs.