Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Practice Test 2025 - Free FOI Practice Questions and Study Guide

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is often depicted as a pyramid consisting of five levels, each representing different categories of human needs. In this framework, the level associated with safety and protection is clearly defined as Safety Needs. This encompasses the desire for security, stability, and freedom from fear, which can include aspects such as personal safety, financial security, health and well-being, and having a safe environment.

Safety Needs come immediately after Physical Needs, which are focused on the basic requirements for human survival, such as food, water, and shelter. Once these physiological needs are met, individuals strive for safety and protection, highlighting their importance in the overall hierarchy. This understanding is crucial for instructors in recognizing the factors that motivate learners, as unmet safety needs can significantly hinder a person's ability to focus on higher-level needs, such as belonging, esteem, and self-fulfillment.