Basic Human Needs, Maslow’s Hierarchy, and Family Health

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing core terms related to basic human needs, Maslow’s hierarchy, characteristics of self-actualization, family functions, and risk factors for altered family health.

Basic Human Needs

Fundamental physiologic and psychosocial requirements that are common to all people and must be met to maintain health and survival.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A five-level model that arranges human needs from the most basic physiologic requirements to self-actualization; lower-level needs must generally be met before higher-level needs become a priority.

Physiologic Needs

The foundational level of Maslow’s hierarchy, including oxygen, food, water, elimination, rest, and temperature regulation.

Safety and Security Needs

The second level in Maslow’s hierarchy, involving protection from physical or emotional harm, stability, freedom from fear, and a secure environment.

Love and Belonging Needs

The third level in Maslow’s hierarchy, centered on relationships, affection, acceptance, and meaningful communication with others.

Self-Esteem Needs

The fourth level in Maslow’s hierarchy, reflecting a person’s sense of worth, competence, confidence, and the respect of others.

Self-Actualization Needs

The highest level in Maslow’s hierarchy, describing the drive to reach one’s full potential through personal growth, fulfillment, and peak experiences.

Traits of Self-Actualized Individuals

Acceptance of self and others, objectivity, creativity, altruism, the ability to distinguish good from evil, happiness, and affection for all people.

Family Functions

Key roles performed by the family unit to maintain the health and development of its members: physical, economic, reproductive, affective & coping, and socialization.

Physical Family Function

Ensures a safe, comfortable environment and meets members’ basic bodily needs for food, shelter, and protection.

Economic Family Function

Provides financial support, resource management, and decision-making related to money and material needs.

Reproductive Family Function

Continues society through procreation and the nurturing and socialization of children.

Affective and Coping Family Function

Offers emotional support, affection, identity, and strategies for managing stress or crisis situations.

Socialization Family Function

Teaches children and new members the family’s values, beliefs, culture, and social skills needed to function in society.

Risk Factors for Altered Family Health

Conditions that threaten family well-being, including lifestyle, psychosocial, environmental, developmental, and biologic risks.