Life satisfaction and Maslow's hierarchy of needs: an international analysis of the world values survey

Hailey Pawsey, Kenneth M. Cramer and Denise DeBlock

International Journal of Happiness and Development, 2023, vol. 8, issue 1, 66-79

Abstract: To assess Maslow's hierarchy of needs ability to predict life satisfaction, the present study utilised Wave-7 (2017-2020) of the World Values Survey. Data included measures for each level in Maslow's hierarchy for 69,000 individuals across 48 nations. Maslow's hierarchy of needs hypothesised greater life satisfaction would be identified among respondents with greater health satisfaction at the first level; financial satisfaction and income at the second level; importance of family, friends, and love and belonging at the third level; and importance of work, leisure, and self-esteem at the fourth level. Analyses at both respondent and national levels were supportive. Among respondents, life satisfaction was predicted by financial satisfaction, health, family, friends, work, and leisure; among nations, only financial satisfaction was significant, regardless of wealth distribution. These findings offer important insight into Maslow's hierarchy and life satisfaction, highlighting financial satisfaction as a salient factor in the enjoyment of a satisfying life.

Keywords: Maslow; hierarchy of needs; fulfilment; self-actualisation; life satisfaction; health; income; affiliation; esteem; belonging; individual differences; national differences. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijhdev:v:8:y:2023:i:1:p:66-79

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