Positive recognition is essential for which type of need according to Maslow?

Positive recognition is essential for esteem needs in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Esteem needs encompass the individual's desire for respect, recognition, and a sense of achievement. This includes both self-esteem, which is derived from personal accomplishment, and esteem from others, which is rooted in feelings of being valued and appreciated by peers.

When individuals receive positive recognition, it not only boosts their confidence and self-worth but also fulfills their need for validation from others. This recognition can manifest in various forms such as praise, awards, or acknowledgment of one’s contributions, all of which reinforce the person's value in both personal and social contexts.

In contrast, love/social needs focus on relationships and belongingness, while self-actualization pertains to realizing one's potential and seeking personal growth. Physiological needs are basic survival requirements like food and shelter, which do not involve the social or esteem-related recognition that fulfills the esteem needs. Therefore, positive recognition is distinctly crucial for the fulfillment of esteem needs within Maslow's framework.