Sveriges mest populära poddar
The Psychology of your 20s

428. The truth about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

24 min13 juni 2026

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most famous theories in psychology. We've all seen the pyramid. We've all been told that before we can become our best selves, we need to climb through five levels of human needs, from food and safety all the way to self-actualisation. But what if that's not actually what Maslow believed?

In this bonus episode, as part of our series myth-busting psychology, we're uncovering the surprising truth behind one of psychology's most iconic ideas, including:

  • Why Maslow never actually drew a pyramid
  • The forgotten sixth level of the hierarchy
  • The Indigenous Blackfoot origins of the theory
  • Whether self-actualisation is really the highest human goal
  • Why the hierarchy isn't as rigid as we've been taught
  • What modern psychology says about the evidence behind Maslow's ideas

Happy listening!

Watch on Netflix: HERE

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fler avsnitt av The Psychology of your 20s

Visa alla avsnitt av The Psychology of your 20s

The Psychology of your 20s med iHeartPodcasts finns tillgänglig på flera plattformar. Informationen på denna sida kommer från offentliga podd-flöden.