The 6 Psychological Human Needs

Did you know that there are 6 psychological needs that humans need to have met in order to maintain a balanced emotional and psychological state? Whether or not these are all met had a major effect on your thoughts and emotions. Below I go over each one and give some examples for cases where your needs are not being met, and how you can change that. We find ways to meet these needs for ourselves through positive and negative ways. What we want to work on it being able to meet all of our needs in a way that is going to help our overall well-being.

Certainty - Comfort

This encompasses our most fundamental needs in life, such as security, survival, and comfort.

Many people meet this need by doing activities such as play, recreation, eating comfort foods, and using drugs & alcohol. Another way we meet this need is through relationships with people who make us feel secure. People also find certainty and self confidence in their career; as well as their beliefs and attitudes that provide certainty for them also.

For this need, if someone is turning to drugs/alcohol in order to meet the need of comfort or certainty, they should consider finding a new way to fill this need. They could join a volleyball or basketball league in their town; or find another hobby that interests them. If they are feeling uncertainty & a lack of self-esteem in the workplace, they may want to change jobs and begin doing something that provides those feelings for them.

Uncertainty - Excitement

This is our need for variety, stimulation, and adventure.

People tend to meet this need through activities like high adrenalin sports, action movies, sporting events, rock concerts, going new places, and alcohol/drugs. This need is also found in exciting romantic relationships, a career that makes you feel enthusiastic and thrilled to work, as well as holding beliefs/attitudes that give you a sense of adventure.

Maybe you’re not getting enough excitement/variety in your life. One thing you could do is schedule some events for yourself to participate in. Maybe you buy tickets to an event or make a trip to a new interesting place.

Love - Connection

This need is very important for being happy and healthy. It deals with feeling love for yourself, others, and God.

Some activities for this include meditation, being in nature, connecting to your surroundings & God. It also includes playing with children and pets. This is why elderly people tend to improve in health when they have a pet or continue caring for their grandchildren. Relationships with friends, family, lovers, or being a part of a group/team/church all play a part in this need. Working with others you feel connected to & doing work you love, as well as carrying beliefs that give you a sense of connection are also important.

If your coworkers are negative and bring you down, or you do not enjoy the type of work you do, it may be time to try something new. If your relationships bring you down, surround yourself with people who provide love and connection for you instead. Making time to meditate is also a great addition to your routine if you don’t have something like this in your life currently.

Significance - Importance

This is our need for being needed and feeling important.

This includes activities where you get recognition, such as sports, music, dance, etc. Being acknowledged and made to feel important in your relationships. This also includes being recognized and appreciated at work. Holding beliefs and attitudes that give you a sense of self-worth as well would fall into this specific need.

If you feel unappreciated and insignificant, you may want to look at what you can change. Can you add in activities or work that you can excel at? Or it’s also possible that you may need to shift your beliefs towards yourself as well.

Growth - Self Improvement

This is our need to expand ourselves, our awareness, and develop new skills and attitudes. Humans are not satisfied unless we are growing, as well as having high standards for ourselves that we continue to achieve.

This includes activities such as reading, learning, and watching educational content. Having relationships with mentors, teachers, or people who will help expand you. Having a job where you are able to expand your knowledge/skills. It is also important to have an attitude which allows you to be open to creative possibilities.

If this is somewhere that you struggle, find a way that you can allow yourself to grow and learn. That could be taking a class on the side, hiring a life coach, or opening your mind up to new expansive beliefs.

Contribution - Selfless Service

This is our need to make a difference in the lives of others without any return on investment. This is you doing something because it is morally right, not because you will personally gain from it.

This includes activities such as community service and recycling. Being in a relationship where you are helping someone. Working where you know you are making a difference. As well as carrying beliefs that give you a sense that you are serving others and enjoy doing so.

In this case if you feel unfulfilled, you could volunteer for something. Seek out opportunities to help others when you hear of someone in need. You could also change your career to one that fulfills you and makes a difference in the lives of others.

Remember - There are many aspects in life to balance, but it is possible to do it. If you’re wondering where you are lacking on meeting your needs, you could get muscle tested to find out. Many people will probably be able to sense some of their needs that are not being met themselves. In some cases, it can seem like a lot to change, but just keep in mind that small steps day by day are most important. Over time you will feel more balanced and more in control of your own well-being.

Until next time,

Xo Amber