Which personal development need must be satisfied for someone to reach self-actualization?

To reach self-actualization, individuals must first satisfy their basic needs. Basic needs encompass fundamental requirements crucial for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and warmth. These needs are foundational, as they pertain to the physiological necessities of life. Until these are adequately met, individuals will find it challenging to focus on higher-level growth or fulfillment, which includes psychological and self-fulfillment needs.

Once basic needs are secured, individuals can then progress to fulfilling safety needs, which involve security and protection from physical and emotional harm. Following this, belongingness needs related to social connections and relationships come into play, alongside esteem needs that involve the pursuit of self-respect and recognition from others.

Self-actualization represents the pinnacle of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where a person can realize their full potential and engage in creative and meaningful activities. This stage is only attainable when the preceding needs are adequately met. Thus, addressing basic needs forms the essential foundation for any further personal development.