What Are Needs?
A need is a source of motivation in our psychology. A list of needs can be found below.
How do needs vary between people?
Needs are universal – all people have them. However, needs manifest themselves differently in different people.
One difference between people is the degree to which certain needs are important to them. E.g. for some people the need for freedom is very strong, while in others it’s not as strong, while the need for security is stronger.
Another difference is the specific ways by which people try to meet their needs. For example, one person may try to satisfy their need for security by accumulating a lot of money, while another person might try to satisfy the same need by getting married, or having a lot of friends, or being very suspicious of new people.
Needs Related to Existence and Safety
Physical Survival
air, water, food, sleep, rest, clothing, shelter (home), physical safety, health
Physical Well-Being
Physical activity, space (for movement), touch, sexuality, delicious food, beautiful dwellings, beautiful clothes
Emotional Safety
emotional safety, certainty, stability, order, structure, consistency, protection (of / from), trust, reliance on…, commitment
Needs related to Connection
Interaction
interaction, communication, connection, listening, acknowledgement, appreciation, seeing, understanding, sharing, respect, attention, openness, sincerity, acceptance, approval, validation, compassion, empathy, caring, consideration, giving, gratitude, recognition, to matter
(Notice that some of these can take both active and passive forms, e.g. I may have a need for understanding you, or have a need for being understood).
Intimacy
proximity, closeness, companionship, friendship, relationship, affection, love, intimacy, gentleness, softness, warmth, erotic connection, authenticity, nurturing
Community
belonging, inclusion, participation, fraternity, solidarity, partnership, coordination, collaboration, help, support, reciprocity, fairness, peace, loyalty
Needs Related to Meaning
Self
awareness, self-connection, ability, competence, power, self-confidence, self-worth, self-acceptance, self-love, self-expression, self-loyalty, healing
Freedom
freedom, liberty, independence, autonomy, separateness, responsibility, space, choice, flexibility, spontaneity
Enjoyment
enjoyment, fun, play, playfulness, joy, humor, amusement, flow, lightness, entertainment, laughter, pleasure, movement, interest, celebration
Development
learning, development, growth, understanding, discovery, challenge, creativity, stimulation, change, renewal
Psychological & Spiritual
inner wholeness, harmony, beauty, aesthetics, unity, spirituality, quiet, peace of mind, presence, balance, hope, inspiration, faith, mourning
Meaning
meaning, purpose, fulfillment, self-actualization, living life to its fullest, success, integrity, effectiveness, efficiency, precision, clarity, focus, excellence, professionalism, contribution, influence, impact