Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is used to prioritize interventions by addressing needs in which order?

• A. Random order
• B. Only financial needs
• C. Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization
• D. Self-Actualization first

Answer: (C)

Maslow's hierarchy arranges needs from the most basic to higher-level, and it guides how to sequence interventions so the most essential needs are addressed first. The order is physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, then self-actualization. Meeting physiological needs—food, water, shelter, sleep—provides the bodily stability required for any further focus. Once those are met, safety needs—protection, stability, predictable resources—become the priority. After safety comes the need for connection and belonging, followed by esteem needs related to self-respect and recognition from others. At the top sits self-actualization, the pursuit of personal growth and realizing potential. Prioritizing in this progression helps ensure a person has a solid foundation before tackling more complex goals. The other options miss this progression: addressing needs in a random order, focusing only on finances, or placing self-actualization first ignores fundamental survival and security requirements.