Georgia DECA Advertising Practice Test

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, what must people feel before pursuing self-actualization?

1. A sense of belonging

2. Secure

3. Accomplished

4. Happy

The correct answer is: Secure

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, individuals must first fulfill their basic and psychological needs before they can focus on self-actualization, which represents the realization of one's potential and self-fulfillment. The correct answer, which emphasizes the need for security, highlights that people must feel secure – both physically and emotionally – before they can pursue higher-level goals like self-actualization. This sense of security encompasses safety from harm, financial stability, and emotional well-being, allowing individuals to move toward fulfilling their potential and creativity without the distraction of unmet basic needs. The other options do touch on important aspects of human motivation but do not represent the foundational requirement for reaching self-actualization in the same way. Though belonging, accomplishment, and happiness contribute to an individual's overall well-being and personal growth, they are built upon the more fundamental need for security. Without security, individuals may find themselves preoccupied with fear or anxiety, making it difficult to focus on higher aspirations.