Who developed the concept of the hierarchy of needs?

The concept of the hierarchy of needs was developed by Abraham Maslow, a prominent psychologist in the field of humanistic psychology. Maslow's hierarchy is presented as a five-tier model, which suggests that human needs are arranged in a pyramid structure, beginning with basic physiological needs at the base, and moving up through safety, love and belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization at the top.

Maslow proposed that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can address higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs. This framework has had a significant impact on psychology, education, and organizational behavior, as it helps explain motivation and personal development.

The other figures mentioned, while influential in psychology, developed different theories. Sigmund Freud is known for his work on psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind, Carl Rogers is recognized for his contributions to client-centered therapy, and Erik Erikson is noted for his theory of psychosocial development across the lifespan. Each of these theorists focused on different aspects of psychological development and human behavior, making Maslow's hierarchy uniquely significant in understanding human motivation.