Difference between revisions of "Seven Essential Needs"

From The SpiritWiki
 
(113 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{developmentnav}}
[[File:LP Seven Essential Needs.jpg|250px|right|Seven Essential Needs]]
<blockquote class="definition">
<blockquote class="definition">
The '''Seven Essential Needs''' are the seven needs the [[Physical Unit]] is required to meet in order to grow, develop, and finally achieve and maintain strong [[Connection]]. <Ref>Sosteric and Ratkovic. “Seven Essential Needs,” 2018. https://www.academia.edu/38114100/The_Seven_Essential_Needs.</ref>
The '''Seven Essential Needs''' are the seven needs the physical body and mind (i.e. [[Physical Unit]]) is required to meet in order to grow up healthy and finally achieve and maintain strong [[Connection]].<Ref>Sosteric and Ratkovic. “Seven Essential Needs,” 2018. https://www.academia.edu/38114100/The_Seven_Essential_Needs.</ref> <ref>Also see Ratkovic, Gina and Sosteric, MIke. “It Takes a Village: Advancing Attachment Theory and Recovering the Roots of Human Health with the Seven Essential Needs.” ''Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work'', 2022. https://www.academia.edu/61410417</ref><ref>Sosteric, Mike & Ratkovic, Gina. Eupsychian Theory: Reclaiming Maslow and Rejecting The Pyramid The Seven Essential Needs.” ''PsyArXiv Preprints'', 2020. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/fswk9</nowiki></ref>  The Seven Essential Needs are broken down into '''two''' general categories, '''basic needs''' and '''inner needs'''.The basic needs include the physiological, cognitive, environmental, emotional, and psychological needs of the body. The inner needs include the need for [[Alignment]] and the need for [[Connection]]. Failure to meet the seven essential needs leads to the [[3Ds of Toxic Existence]].
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


==Related Terms==
[[File:LP Seven Essential Needs circle1.png|400px|center|Seven Essential Needs]]
 
==Syncretic Terms==
 
[[Seven Essential Needs]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Seven Essential Needs]]}}
 
==Related LP Terms==
 
[[Seven Essential Needs]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related LP term::Seven Essential Needs]]}}
 
==Non-LP Related Terms==


[[Seven Essential Needs]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Seven Essential Needs]]}}
[[Seven Essential Needs]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Seven Essential Needs]]}}


[[Human Development]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Human Development]]}}
==Notes==
 
The Seven Essential Needs are the foundations of human health and full [[Human Development]]. Failure to sufficiently meet essential needs leads to atrophy and eventual degradation of bodily systems. 
 
Meeting essential needs puts an individual body into [[Growth Mode]]. Failure to sufficiently satisfy essential needs leads the [[Physical Unit]] (the body and mind) to redirect bodily energy towards the satisfaction of unmet needs. A body whose energy is being redirected towards the satisfaction of unmet needs is a body operating in [[Deficit Mode]] (see also [[Growth Mode]]). Chronic neglect of essential needs leads to dysfunction, disease, and disconnection (the [[3Ds of Toxic Existence]]). 
 
The Seven Essential Needs are broken down into '''two''' general categories, '''basic needs''' and '''inner needs'''. Each of these categories includes several related needs.
 
'''Basic needs''' are foundational needs. In order for an individual to grow healthy and connected, these needs must be sufficiently met else the body and mind atrophy. Basic needs include physiological needs (food, water), emotional needs (love and belonging, attachment, inclusion), cognitive needs (truth and understanding), psychological needs (positive self-regard, positive-esteem), and environmental (safe, aesthetically pleasing home environments. stable finances, etc.). 
 
'''Inner needs''' are "spiritual" needs for [[Alignment]] and [[Connection]]. 
 
==='''The Basic Needs'''===
====Physiological Needs====
'''Physiological needs include the need for healthy food, water, vitamins, and air, the need for physical exercise, the need for clothing, the need for sleep, and so on. Physiological needs also include the absence of physical pain.'''
 
Satisfaction of physiological needs has profound benefits for our physiological, emotional, cognitive, egoic, and spiritual well-being.
 
# '''Physiological Outcomes''': Fulfilling physiological needs leads to overall improved health and vitality. Good nutrition promotes immune system function,<ref>Field, Catherine, Glen P. Johnson, and Patricia D. Schley. “Nutrients and Their Role in Host Resistance to Infection.” ''Journal of Leukocyte Biology'', 2002. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1189/jlb.71.1.16</nowiki>.</ref> while regular physical activity can reduce the risk of various diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.<ref>Steven N. Blair, "Physical inactivity: the biggest public health problem of the 21st century," ''British Journal of Sports Medicine'' 43, no. 1 (2009): 1-2. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.030486</nowiki></ref> Adequate sleep is associated with enhanced immune function, improved metabolic health, and lower risk of chronic diseases.<ref>Kristen L. Knutson, "Sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk: A review of the epidemiologic evidence," ''Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism'' 24, no. 5 (2010): 731-743. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2010.07.001</nowiki></ref> Proper clothing protects the body from environmental hazards, while the absence of physical pain improves quality of life.<ref>Paul J. Goadsby, "Recent advances in understanding migraine mechanisms, molecules and therapeutics," ''Trends in Molecular Medicine'' 13, no. 1 (2007): 39-44. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2006.11.005</nowiki></ref>
#'''Egoic Outcomes''':
# '''Emotional Outcomes''': With physiological needs met, individuals are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression related to survival worries. Moreover, regular physical exercise can lead to improved mood and reduced anxiety.<ref>Michael W. Otto, Jasper A. J. Smits, "Exercise for mood and anxiety: Proven strategies for overcoming depression and enhancing well-being," (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011). </ref>
# '''Cognitive Outcomes''': Adequate nutrition, particularly intake of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, supports brain development and can enhance cognitive function and slow cognitive decline.<ref>Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Marshall G. Miller, Nopporn Thangthaeng, Amanda N. Poulose, "Berry Fruit Enhances Beneficial Signaling in the Brain," ''Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry'' 65, no. 5 (2017): 820-827. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1021/jf2036033</nowiki></ref> Regular physical exercise and good sleep quality are also associated with better cognitive performance and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.<ref>Laura D. Baker, Laura L. Frank, Karen Foster-Schubert, Pattie S. Green, Charles W. Wilkinson, Anne McTiernan, "Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognition for Older Adults with Glucose Intolerance, A Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease," ''Journal of Alzheimer's Disease'' 22, no. 2 (2010): 569-579. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-100768</nowiki></ref>
#'''Spiritual Outcomes''': Meeting physiological needs can free up mental and emotional resources and put the [[Bodily Ego]] into [[Growth Mode]], allowing individuals to pursue [[Alignment]] and engage in [[Connection Practice]].
A failure to meet physiological needs leads to a host of sequelae, including
 
# '''Physiological Impairments''': Long-term deprivation of physiological needs can lead to various health issues. Lack of proper nutrition can cause malnutrition which in turn leads to structural changes and reduced brain volume,<ref>Isaacson, R. L. (1974). The effect of malnutrition on the developing brain. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(6), 667–676</ref> a weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility to diseases.<ref>Ann M. Prendergast, and Eleanor M. Riley, "Immune Mechanisms in Malaria: New Insights in Vaccine Development," ''Nature Medicine'' 19, no. 2 (2013): 168.10.1038/nm.3083</ref> Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health problems.<ref>Kristen L. Knutson, and Eve Van Cauter, "Associations Between Sleep Loss and Increased Risk of Obesity and Diabetes," ''Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences'' 1129, no. 1 (2008): 287-304. 10.1196/annals.1417.033</ref> The absence of physical exercise can lead to obesity, heart diseases, and a decreased life expectancy.<ref>Steven N. Blair, and William L. Haskell, "Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Mortality in Older Adults," ''JAMA'' 296, no. 2 (2006): 216-218. 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31828b076a</ref> Constant physical pain can deteriorate overall health and quality of life.<ref>Abraham H. Maslow, "A Theory of Human Motivation," ''Psychological Review'' 50, no. 4 (1943): 370.</ref> Note that physiological deprivations experienced by the mother have negative consequences for the fetus.
#'''Egoic Impairments:'''
#'''Emotional Impairments''': Long-term deprivation of physiological needs can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, and depression, primarily due to feelings of vulnerability and an incessant state of fear and anxiety over meeting basic needs.<ref>Mary C. Sutter, "Fear, Anxiety and Worry," ''Psychiatry'' 3, no. 2 (2004): 45-48.</ref> Chronic stress and anxiety can in turn lead to additional mental health impairments.<ref>Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, "How Does Sexual Minority Stigma "Get Under the Skin"? A Psychological Mediation Framework," ''Psychological Bulletin'' 135, no. 5 (2009): 707. 10.1037/a0016441</ref>
# '''Cognitive Impairments''': Chronic malnutrition, particularly during the "brain growth spurt,"  can impact cognitive development and function, causing deficits in memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.<ref>Lynne Georgiadis, Alan Jackson, and Lucy Eaton, "Undernutrition and Cognitive Function in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review," ''BMJ Open'' 10, no. 5 (2020): e035378. 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035378</ref> Lack of sleep can significantly affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.<ref>Hans P.A. Van Dongen, Greg Maislin, Janet M. Mullington, and David F. Dinges, "The Cumulative Cost of Additional Wakefulness: Dose-Response Effects on Neurobehavioral Functions and Sleep Physiology From Chronic Sleep Restriction and Total Sleep Deprivation," ''Sleep'' 26, no. 2 (2003): 117-26. </ref> Finally, the constant worry about meeting basic needs can put an individual into [[Deficit Mode]]. In this mode, the individual's cognitive development, processing, and learning capacity are undermined<ref>Rachel T. Kimbro, Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, and Sara McLanahan, "Young Children in Urban Areas: Links Among Neighborhood Characteristics, Weight Status, Outdoor Play, and Television-Watching," ''Social Science & Medicine'' 72, no. 5 (2011): 668-76.</ref> as cognitive energies are diverted away from growth tasks ([[Growth Mode]]) and towards meeting unmet basic needs ([[Deficit Mode]]).
#'''Spiritual Impairments''':
 
Adam Smith said an interesting thing about the deprivation of physiological needs, particularly in relation to poverty.<ref>"But poverty, though it does not prevent the generation, is extremely unfavourable to the rearing of children. The tender plant is produced, but in so cold a soil and so severe a climate, soon withers and dies. " 
Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations - An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Bantam Classics, 2003.</ref>
 
====Emotional Needs====
'''Emotional needs include our “love and belonging needs,”  our need for support, acceptance, connection, and inclusion in family and friend groupings, for [[Attachment|Attachment.]] These needs are  particular important needs, evolutionarily speaking, since humans have always needed to be in groups to survive and thrive.''' 
 
Sufficient satisfaction of emotional needs leads to, among other things, 
 
# '''Physiological Outcomes''': Satisfying emotional needs has been linked to better physiological health. Individuals who feel loved and supported have been found to have lower blood pressure, healthier heart rates, and stronger immune systems.<ref>Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Timothy B. Smith, Mark Baker, Tyler Harris, David Stephenson, "Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review," ''Perspectives on Psychological Science'' 10, no. 2 (2015): 227-237. 10.1177/1745691614568352</ref><ref>Sarah Stewart-Brown, "Emotional wellbeing and its relation to health: Physical disease may well result from emotional distress," ''BMJ'' 317, no. 7173 (1998): 1608-1609.10.1136/bmj.317.7173.1608</ref>
#'''Egoic Outcomes''':
# '''Emotional Outcomes''': Fulfilling emotional needs contributes to emotional stability and satisfaction. Feelings of acceptance, love, and inclusion are associated with lower levels of stress,<ref>heldon Cohen and Thomas A. Wills, "Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis," ''Psychological Bulletin'' 98, no. 2 (1985): 310-357. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.98.2.310</nowiki></ref> anxiety and depression<ref>Sarah Stewart-Brown, "Emotional wellbeing and its relation to health: Physical disease may well result from emotional distress," ''BMJ'' 317, no. 7173 (1998): 1608-1609. 10.1136/bmj.317.7173.1608</ref> as well as better emotional regulation and overall better resilience,<ref>Loukas, A., & Robinson, S. (2004). "Examining the Moderating Role of Perceived School Climate in Early Adolescent Adjustment." ''Journal of Research on Adolescence,'' 14(2), 209-233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-7795.2004.01402004.x</ref><ref>Repetti, R. L., Taylor, S. E., & Seeman, T. E. (2002). "Risky Families: Family Social Environments and the Mental and Physical Health of Offspring." ''Psychological Bulletin,'' 128(2), 330. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.128.2.330</nowiki></ref> notably in adolescents.<ref>Qualter, P., Brown, S. L., Munn, P., & Rotenberg, K. J. (2010). "Childhood Loneliness as a Predictor of Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: an 8-Year Longitudinal Study." ''European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,'' 19(6), 493-501. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-009-0059-y</nowiki></ref>Satisfaction of emotional needs also leads to increased life satisfaction and overall happiness.<ref>Sonja Lyubomirsky, Laura King, and Ed Diener, "The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success?" ''Psychological Bulletin'' 131, no. 6 (2005): 803-855. 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803</ref>
# '''Egoic Outcomes:''' Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence: Emotional support and acceptance can reinforce an individual's self-worth, thus promoting higher self-esteem and confidence.<ref>Roy F. Baumeister, Jennifer D. Campbell, Joachim I. Krueger, and Kathleen D. Vohs, "Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles?" ''Psychological Science in the Public Interest'' 4, no. 1 (2003): 1-44. 10.1111/1529-1006.01431</ref>
# '''Cognitive Outcomes''': Emotional well-being, fostered by satisfying emotional needs, has been linked to improved cognitive function. Positive emotional states can enhance memory, attention. Feeling emotionally secure can enable better focus on cognitive tasks<ref>Stacey Wood, Eryn Brown, "Insightful problem solving and emotion: A selective review," ''The Journal of Creative Behavior'' 45, no. 3 (2011): 204-220.</ref>and problem-solving skills.<ref>Michael A. Yassa, and Maria A. Stark, "Pattern separation in the hippocampus," ''Trends in Neurosciences'' 34, no. 10 (2011): 515-525. 10.1016/j.tins.2011.06.006</ref>
# '''Social Outcomes:'''
#'''Spiritual Outcomes''': When emotional needs are met, individuals may experience enhanced spiritual well-being. This includes a greater sense of purpose, connection to others and the universe, and inner peace.<ref>Lisa Miller, Brien Kelley, Seungmin Jahng, Roberta Payne, "Spirituality and Health: The Role of Religion," ''Spirituality in Clinical Practice'' 1, no. 1 (2014): 42-50. 10.1037/scp0000006</ref>  More specifically, satisfaction of emotional needs leads to stronger affective response and control
Failing to meet emotional needs can have a range of negative impacts across physiological, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and social dimensions.
 
# '''Physiological Impairments''': Chronic emotional distress, caused by unmet emotional needs, can lead to various physiological consequences. Studies have linked emotional stress to health issues such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and weakened immune response.<ref>Salleh, Mohd. Razali, "Life Event, Stress and Illness," ''The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences'' 15, no. 4 (2008): 9–18.</ref> Constant feelings of loneliness and isolation can trigger the body's stress response, leading to elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Over time, this can lead to physiological issues such as insomnia, digestive problems, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Research suggests that social isolation and loneliness may even alter genetic expression, leading to increased inflammation and decreased immunity.<ref>Cole, Steve W., "Social Regulation of Human Gene Expression: Mechanisms and Implications for Public Health," ''American Journal of Public Health'' 103, no. S1 (2013): S84–S92.</ref>
#'''Emotional Impairments''': Unmet emotional needs often lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. The absence of emotional support can also increase the risk of mental health disorders.<ref>Taylor, Shelley E., et al., "Social Support, Stress and the Aging Brain," ''Social Neuroscience'' 10, no. 5 (2015): 378-391.</ref>Chronic unmet emotional needs often manifest as feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Individuals may experience low self-esteem and increased vulnerability to mood disorders. They are also more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors as a means of coping with their emotional pain.<ref>Hawkley, Louise C., and John T. Cacioppo, "Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms," ''Annals of Behavioral Medicine'' 40, no. 2 (2010): 218–227</ref>
# '''Cognitive Impairments''': Research shows that emotional well-being is closely linked to cognitive function. Chronic emotional stress can impair cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and decision-making. Long-term emotional neglect can also lead to cognitive decline in later life.<ref>Sapolsky, Robert M., "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers," ''Times Books,'' 2004</ref><ref>Cacioppo, John T., and Stephanie Cacioppo, "Social Relationships and Health: The Toxic Effects of Perceived Social Isolation," Social and Personality Psychology Compass 8, no. 2 (2014): 58–72</ref>
# '''Social Impairments''': From a social perspective, unmet emotional needs can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. This can result in social withdrawal, lack of empathy, and difficulty in communicating feelings effectively.<ref>Cacioppo, John T., and Louise C. Hawkley, "Perceived Social Isolation and Cognition," ''Trends in Cognitive Sciences'' 13, no. 10 (2009): 447–454.</ref>
# '''Spiritual Impairments''': Unmet emotional needs can impact a person's sense of purpose and connectedness, vital elements of spiritual well-being. Feelings of loneliness and isolation may contribute to a sense of existential emptiness and a lack of meaning in life,<ref>Park, Crystal L., "Religion and Meaning," ''Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality'', 2013, pp. 357–378</ref> leaving one without a clear purpose or direction.<ref>Yalom, Irvin D., "Existential Psychotherapy," ''Basic Books'', 1980.</ref>
 
====Cognitive Needs====
 
'''Our cognitive needs are our biologically and spiritually rooted need to know and understand the world.<ref>Maslow mentioned the need to know and to understand in his seminal 1943 article "A theory of Human Motivation." </ref> Basically, our powerful need for truth.<ref>As psychologist Abraham Maslow said, ''"the most important characteristics of psychological health'' was simply the ability to perceive clearly—that is, to see the truth, to penetrate falsehood, phoniness, hypocrisy, and so on." In other words, the need to be in touch with reality. Abraham Maslow, “Eupsychia—The Good Society,” ''Journal of Humanistic Psychology'' 1, no. 2 (1961): 3.&lt;nowiki&gt;</ref> <ref>Habermas's provides a similar conception for cognitive needs in [[Cognitive Interests]] Scott, John P. “Critical Social Theory: An Introduction and Critique.” The British Journal of Sociology 29, no. 1 (1978): 1. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.2307/589216</nowiki>. p. 2</ref> The cognitive needs are self-evident in children where they are expressed at a very early age in the incessant questioning of young children. “Mommy, why is the sky blue?” “Why is daddy angry all the time?”'''
 
Just like all your other basic needs, your truth needs are ''biologically rooted needs'' important for individual and collective survival, growth, and connection. An organism that does not know and understand its environment, an organism that does not pay attention and seek out the truth of things, is an organism not long for this world.
 
Satisfying cognitive needs can lead to various positive outcomes.
 
# '''Physiological Outcomes''': One of the key impacts is improved brain health. Researchers have shown active engagement in mentally stimulating activities can contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function in old age and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.<ref>Stern, Yaakov, and Christian Habeck, "The Effects of Cognitive Reserve on Cognition," Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 52, no. 2 (2016): 487-494.</ref>  Individuals may also experience a lower level of stress and anxiety, which can positively impact physical health, such as better sleep, stronger immune system, and a healthier heart rate.<ref>Taylor, Shelley E., Laura Cousino Klein, Beatrice P. Lewis, Tara L. Gruenewald, Regan A. Gurung, and John A. Updegraff. 2000. "Biobehavioral responses to stress in females: tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight." ''Psychological Review'' 107, no. 3: 411.</ref>
# '''Egoic Outcomes:'''
#'''Emotional Outcomes''': Emotionally, satisfying cognitive needs can lead to increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and better emotional regulation. Satisfying cognitive needs can help individuals make sense of their emotions, leading to improved emotional well-being.<ref>Berkowitz, Leonard, "On the Formation and Regulation of Anger and Aggression: A Cognitive-Neoassociationistic Analysis," American Psychologist, 1990, Vol. 45, No. 4</ref>  Fulfillment of cognitive needs is often linked to greater emotional well-being and happiness, resulting in more positive emotions, less emotional distress, and greater resilience in the face of adversity.<ref name=":1">Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci. 2000. "Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being." ''American Psychologist'' 55, no. 1: 68.</ref>
# '''Cognitive Outcomes:''' From a cognitive perspective, satisfying cognitive needs can lead to enhanced problem-solving abilities, creativity, and critical thinking skills,<ref>Piaget, Jean, "The stages of the intellectual development of the child", Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 1962, Vol. 26. 10.1007/BF01713436</ref> all of which can make it a lot easier to navigate and survive this planet's [[Toxic Socialization]] system.When cognitive needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness are met, individuals can show higher levels of motivation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.<ref name=":1" />
# '''Spiritual Outcomes:''' Spiritually speaking, satisfying cognitive needs helps alleviate boredom,<ref>Thereby providing a temporary solution to [[Problem of Ennui]]</ref> empowers, increases self-awareness, and enhances self-control and resilience. It also aids in the development of a solid worldview<ref>Koltko-Rivera, Mark E., "The psychology of worldviews," ''Review of General Psychology'', 2004, Vol. 8, No. 1. 10.1037/1089-2680.8.1.3</ref> which in turn enhances one's sense of fulfillment, one's purpose and meaning in life.<ref>Koltko-Rivera, Mark E., "The psychology of worldviews," Review of General Psychology, 2004, Vol. 8, No. 1. 10.1037/1089-2680.8.1.3</ref> When cognitive needs are satisfied, individuals often feel a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life, which can enrich their spiritual experiences.<ref>Park, Crystal L. 2010. "Making sense of the meaning literature: an integrative review of meaning making and its effects on adjustment to stressful life events." Psychological Bulletin 136, no. 2: 257.</ref>
Failing to satisfy cognitive needs can lead to various negative outcomes.
 
# '''Physiological Consequences:'''
## '''Cognitive Atrophy:''' The brain, being a highly dynamic organ, follows the rule of "use it or lose it." When cognitive needs are not met, especially in early development stages, it can lead to atrophy of certain brain regions involved in cognitive processing. This lack of cognitive stimulation can lead to reduced neuronal connectivity and synaptic density, resulting in poorer cognitive abilities,
## '''Increased Risk of Neurodegenerative Disorders:''' Numerous studies have suggested that cognitive engagement and mental stimulation throughout life can build a 'cognitive reserve' that can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. Failure to meet cognitive needs can potentially increase the risk of developing such disorders. For example, research has shown that lower cognitive activity levels are associated with higher risks for Alzheimer's disease and faster cognitive decline.<ref>(Wilson, Robert S., et al., "Cognitive activity and the cognitive morbidity of Alzheimer disease," Neurology, 2010, Vol. 75, No. 11.</ref>
## '''Increased Stress Response:''' The inability to understand or make sense of one's environment due to unmet cognitive needs can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Chronic stress has been associated with a multitude of physiological issues, including an overactive sympathetic nervous system, increased blood pressure, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
## '''Stunted Intellectual Growth:''' One of the most direct negative outcomes of unmet cognitive needs is stunted intellectual growth and limited cognitive abilities. This can lead to poor problem-solving skills, lack of critical thinking, and reduced creativity. An environment that does not satisfy an individual's cognitive needs can limit their cognitive development and ability to learn effectively.
# '''Emotional Consequences''': Emotionally, failure to meet cognitive needs can result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Lack of understanding or knowledge about oneself or the world can lead to feelings of insecurity and inferiority, causing emotional distress. Studies have shown a strong correlation between unmet cognitive needs and mental health issues<ref>Leotti, Laura A., Sheena S. Iyengar, and Kevin N. Ochsner, "Born to Choose: The Origins and Value of the Need for Control," Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2010, Vol. 14, No. 10.</ref>.
# '''Social Consequences''': On a social level, inability to satisfy cognitive needs can lead to poor social interactions and relationships. Understanding social cues, empathizing with others, and effectively communicating are all dependent on cognitive processes. An individual who lacks these cognitive skills may face difficulties in forming and maintaining social relationships.
# '''Spiritual Consequences:''' Spiritually, individuals may struggle with a lack of purpose or meaning in life if their cognitive needs are not met. The quest for understanding and knowledge is often closely tied to one's search for spiritual or existential meaning.
 
====Psychological Needs====
 
'''In addition to physiological, environmental, and emotional needs, we also have basic psychological needs. Our psychological needs include our need for positive self-esteem and sense of self, our need to feel powerful and competent,<ref name=":0">Ryan, R. M., and E. L. Deci. “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being.” American Psychologist, 2000.</ref> our need to feel good about and to have faith in ourselves,<ref>Akhilananda, Swami. ''Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West''. Routledge, 1948. p. 80</ref>  and our need for autonomy and freedom,<ref>Edward L Deci and Richard M Ryan, ''Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behaviour'' (New York: Springer Science, 1985).</ref>  We need to feel we are a good person that is worthy of love and acceptance. We also need to feel competent and powerful, like we can accomplish the things we want to accomplish in life.<ref>A Bandura, “Human Agency in Social-Cognition Theory,” ''American Psychologist'' 44 (1989): 1175–84</ref><ref>A. H. Maslow, ''Towards a Psychology of Being (2nd Edition)'' (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1968)</ref><ref>Carl Rogers, ''Freedom to Learn'' (Columbus, Ohio: Merrill, 1969)</ref><ref>C. Rogers, ''A Way of Being.'' (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1980); R White, ''Ego and Reality in Psychoanalytic Theory'', vol. Psychological Issues Series, Monograph No. 11. (New York: International Universities Press, 1963).</ref>'''
 
Satisfaction of these needs has been linked to well-being,<ref>Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R., & Reis, H. T. (1996, January 1). What Makes for a Good Day? Competence and Autonomy in the Day and in the Person. ''PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN'', ''22''(12), 1270–1279. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings</ref> competence, vitality,<ref>Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R., & Reis, H. T. (1996, January 1). What Makes for a Good Day? Competence and Autonomy in the Day and in the Person. ''PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN'', ''22''(12), 1270–1279. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings</ref> and enhanced creativity. Satisfaction of these leads also support [[Alignment]] and [[Connection]], which together allow for the full expression of the [[Spiritual Ego]].
 
Sufficiently meeting psychological needs has been shown to promote well-being and overall life satisfaction across several dimensions:
 
# '''Physiological Outcomes''': When psychological needs are met, it can lead to improved physiological health. Studies have shown that positive self-esteem and autonomy are associated with better physical health, likely due to healthier lifestyle choices and improved stress management. Enhanced well-being can also lead to improved immune function and slower aging<ref>Ryff, Carol D., and Burton H. Singer. "Know Thyself and Become What You Are: A Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-being." ''Journal of Happiness Studies'' 9, no. 1 (2008): 13–39.</ref>).
# '''Egoic Outcomes''':  
# '''Emotional Outcomes''': Meeting psychological needs contributes significantly to emotional well-being. A positive self-concept, feelings of competence, and autonomy are all associated with lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of positive emotions. People with high self-esteem and feelings of competence tend to be more resilient and better able to handle emotional setbacks.<ref>Deci, Edward L., and Richard M. Ryan, "The "What" and "Why" of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-determination of Behavior," ''Psychological Inquiry'', 2000, Vol. 11, No. 4</ref>
# '''Cognitive Outcomes''': Satisfying psychological needs like autonomy and competence has been linked to enhanced cognitive performance, including improved problem-solving skills, creativity, and learning outcomes. It also encourages a growth mindset, promoting continuous learning and intellectual development<ref>Niemiec, Christopher P., and Richard M. Ryan. "Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in the Classroom: Applying Self-determination Theory to Educational Practice." Theory and Research in Education 7, no. 2 (2009): 133–144.</ref>.
# '''Spiritual Outcomes''': A positive sense of self and feelings of competence can contribute to spiritual growth by fostering a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Individuals who have their psychological needs met may be better able to engage in self-reflection and spiritual exploration<ref>Emmons, Robert A. "Is Spirituality an Intelligence? Motivation, Cognition, and the Psychology of Ultimate Concern." The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion 10, no. 1 (2000): 3–26.</ref>
 
Chronic failure to meet psychological needs such as a positive sense of self, autonomy, competence, and feeling good about oneself can have severe consequences:
 
# '''Physiological Impairments''': Chronic psychological distress can have significant impacts on physiological health. Prolonged experiences of low self-esteem, feelings of incompetence, and lack of autonomy can lead to stress, which in turn can affect the immune system, cardiovascular health, and sleep patterns.<ref>Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K., and Ronald Glaser, "Psychoneuroimmunology and Health Consequences: Data and Shared Mechanisms," ''Psychosomatic Medicine'', 1995, Vol. 57, No. 3</ref> Chronic stress has also been linked to accelerated cellular aging<ref>Epel, Elissa S., et al. "Cell Aging in Relation to Stress Arousal and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors." ''Psychoneuroendocrinology'' 31, no. 3 (2006): 277–287.</ref>
# '''Egoic/Personality Impairments'''.
## Personality Disorders: Particularly, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may arise from an inflated sense of self-worth and a desperate need for validation, while borderline personality disorder (BPD) might occur when an individual feels chronically invalidated and struggles with self-image and fear of abandonment.<ref>Elsa Ronningstam, "Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A Clinical Perspective," ''Journal of Psychiatric Practice'' 17, no. 2 (2011): 89-99. 10.1097/01.pra.0000396066.52803.aa</ref><ref>Marsha M. Linehan, ''Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder'' (New York: Guilford Press, 1993).</ref>
##Eating Disorders: Unmet needs for self-esteem and competence can contribute to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These disorders often stem from a distorted body image and an extreme desire for control.<ref>Christopher G. Fairburn, Zafra Cooper, and Roz Shafran, "Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders: A 'Transdiagnostic' Theory and Treatment," ''Behaviour Research and Therapy'' 41, no. 5 (2003): 509-528. 10.1016/s0005-7967(02)00088</ref>
##Substance Use Disorders: These disorders may occur when individuals use substances as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of low self-esteem, powerlessness, or lack of freedom. Substance use disorders are closely linked to poor mental health and unmet psychological needs.<ref>Edward J. Khantzian, "The Self-Medication Hypothesis of Substance Use Disorders: A Reconsideration and Recent Applications," Harvard Review of Psychiatry 4, no. 5 (1997): 231-244. 10.3109/10673229709030550</ref>
# '''Emotional Impairments''': A lack of fulfillment in psychological needs can lead to various emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Poor self-esteem and feelings of incompetence can lead to heightened sensitivity to negative feedback and rejection, increasing vulnerability to depressive symptoms.<ref>Orth, Ulrich, et al., "Low Self-esteem Is a Risk Factor for Depressive Symptoms from Young Adulthood to Old Age," ''Journal of Abnormal Psychology'', 2008, Vol. 117, No. 3.</ref><ref>Baumeister, Roy F., "Self-Esteem, Self-Concept, and Self-Worth," ''In Handbook of Self and Identit''y, Second Edition, 2012</ref>
# '''Cognitive Impairments''': Unmet psychological needs can negatively impact cognitive functioning. A lack of autonomy and feelings of incompetence can impair problem-solving abilities and diminish creativity. It can also result in a fixed mindset, impeding learning and intellectual growth.<ref>Dweck, Carol S., "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," Ballantine Books, 2006</ref> It can undermine motivation for learning and intellectual development.<ref>Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci, "Self-determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, ''Social Development, and Well-being''," American Psychologist, 2000, Vol. 55, No. 1.</ref>
# '''Spiritual Impairments''': Chronic failure to meet psychological needs can also hinder spiritual growth. Low self-esteem, lack of autonomy, and feelings of incompetence can impede a person's search for meaning and purpose in life, potentially leading to existential crises and a lack of spiritual fulfillment.<ref>Frankl, Viktor E., "Man's Search for Meaning," Beacon Press, 2006</ref>
 
====Environmental Needs====
'''Environmental needs include our need for safe, secure, nurturing, stable,<ref>See [[Polyvagal Theory]] for the neurological foundations and importance of this need for safety. Porges, Stephen W. “Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety.” Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience 16 (2022). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227.</ref> and aesthetically pleasing environments where ''all'' our essential needs are met. This includes a need for a safe spaces where we can rest, develop, and grow, secure finances, consistency, and stability. Stability includes the emotional consistency of stable and nurturing parental relationships, as well as financial stability sufficient enough to remove the anxieties and uncertainties of basic survival.'''
 
Note that s''afety includes the absence of violence of any kind'', including physical violence (e.g., spanking), emotional violence (name-calling, shaming), and psychological violence (verbal aggression, intimidation, condescension, passive-aggressive attacks, etc).
 
The fulfillment of environmental needs – safe, secure, nurturing, stable, and aesthetically pleasing environments – can yield profound physiological, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual benefits. Here's a brief overview:
 
# '''Physiological Outcomes''': A safe and secure environment significantly reduces stress and stress-related health issues, thereby promoting overall physical health. Adequate environmental conditions also decrease the risk of developing many diseases and can lead to longer, healthier lives.<ref>Evans, Gary W. 2003. "The Built Environment and Mental Health." ''Journal of Urban Health'' 80 (4):536–55</ref><ref>Morello-Frosch, Rachel, and Bill M. Jesdale. 2006. "Separate and Unequal: Residential Segregation and Estimated Cancer Risks Associated with Ambient Air Toxics in U.S. Metropolitan Areas." ''Environmental Health Perspectives'' 114 (3):386–93</ref>
# '''Egoic Outcomes''':
# '''Emotional Outcomes''': A stable and nurturing environment can significantly enhance emotional well-being, leading to decreased rates of anxiety and depression, improved mood, and increased life satisfaction.<ref>Evans, Gary W., Nancy M. Wells, and Annie Moch. 2003. "Housing and Mental Health: A Review of the Evidence and a Methodological and Conceptual Critique." ''Journal of Social Issues'' 59 (3):475–500.</ref><ref>Evans, Gary W., Nancy M. Wells, and Annie Moch. 2003. "Housing and Mental Health: A Review of the Evidence and a Methodological and Conceptual Critique." ''Journal of Social Issues'' 59 (3):475–500.</ref>
# '''Cognitive Outcomes''': Secure and stimulating environments contribute to cognitive development, improved academic performance, and enhanced problem-solving skills. Children growing in such environments are more likely to develop stronger cognitive abilities.<ref>Evans, Gary W., and Pilyoung Kim. 2013. "Childhood Poverty, Chronic Stress, Self-Regulation, and Coping." ''Child Development Perspectives'' 7 (1):43–48.</ref><ref>Sirin, Selcuk R. 2005. "Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analytic Review of Research." ''Review of Educational Research'' 75 (3):417–53.</ref>
# '''Spiritual Outcomes''': Fulfilling environmental needs can also foster spiritual growth by promoting a sense of peace, connection, and overall harmony with one's surroundings. People living in aesthetically pleasing and nurturing environments are more likely to report higher levels of spiritual well-being.<ref>Kaplan, Rachel. 2001. "The Nature of the View from Home: Psychological Benefits." ''Environment and Behavior'' 33 (4):507–42.</ref><ref>Williams, Florence. 2017. ''The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative.'' New York: W. W. Norton & Company.</ref>


The consequences of a failure to provide safe environments is cumulative psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual damage. [[Swami Vivekananda]] notes "The older we grow, the longer we are knocked about in the world, the more callous we become."<ref>Vivekananda, Swami. “Karma Yoga.” ''Collected Works of Swami Vivekananda''. Vol. 1. 9 vols. Advaita Ashrama, 2016. <nowiki>https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/SWAMI-VIVEKANANDA-COMPLETE-WORKS-Vol-1.pdf</nowiki></ref>


==See Also==
==='''Inner Needs'''===
Inner needs include our important and closely associated needs for [[Alignment]] and [[Connection]]


[[Seven Toxic Needs]]
===== Alignment =====
express and unfold <ref name=":0" />


==Notes==
We all have a need to express<ref>Expression is identified as an emotional need in Akhilananda, Swami. ''Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West''. Routledge, 1948.</ref> and unfold. Aristotle, Carl Rogers, and others capture these needs with the concept [[Eudaimonia]] which is the expression of human excellence and virtue (read [[Alignment]]),the doing of what is worth doing.<ref>Ryan, Richard M, and Edward L Deci. Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. New York: The Guilford Press, 2017</ref>
 
Moving to the inner needs now, our alignment need is essentially our need to be “synced-up” with our spiritual ego, to be in alignment with our spiritual ego,. To express and actualize who we truly are deep inside. It can be a little challenging to wrap your head around this, and we talk about it in much greater detail later. For now, just imagine your Spiritual Ego for what it is, a very bright, powerful, kind, compassionate, loving, and aware spiritual being. To be in alignment means that your bodily ego thinks, acts, and feels with the same power, kindness, compassion, love, and awareness that characterizes your spiritual ego. If you are not acting like that, you are not acting in alignment with your spiritual ego.
 
If you want to know what alignment looks like, think Jesus Christ, the Buddha, and, for all his patriarchal and elitist imperfections, Ghandi or Mother Theresa. Though they may not have been perfect, these individuals strove to meet their need for alignment between the spiritual ego and bodily ego by expressing power, kindness, compassion, love, and awareness.


Essential needs are equivalent to "basic needs" in that they represent an "an energizing state that, if satisfied, conduces toward health
For your information, Maslow has some thoughts on this inner need for alignment in his article “How we Diminish Ourselves," and how this need to align with our "deepest nature" finds a way to push through even when we actively resist. <nowiki><ref>Abraham H. Maslow, “How We Diminish Ourselves,” </nowiki>''The Journal of Humanistic Education and Development'' 29, no. 3 (March 1, 1991): 117–20.<nowiki></ref></nowiki>
and well-being but, if not satisfied, contributes to pathology and ill-being." <ref>Ryan, R. M., and E. L. Deci. “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being.” American Psychologist, 2000. p. 74.</ref>
The '''Seven Essential Needs''' are:


# '''Physiological Needs''' -- food, water, air, clothing, exercise, sex
Alignment needs are your needs to be in alignment/agreement with your own ethics, values, and purpose.  In LP terms, this means being in alignment with your [[Spiritual Ego]].  
# '''Safety and Security Needs''' -- safe home, safe spaces, secure finances. Safety includes the absence of assault of any kind, including physical assault (e.g., spanking), and emotional and psychological assault.
# '''Love needs''' -- unconditional support, acceptance, inclusion, being made to feel that we belong
# '''Truth and understanding Needs'''  -- "Mommy, why is the sky blue?" "Daddy, why are you angry all the time?" We all have a biological drive to know and understand the world.<ref> "the most important characteristics of psychological health was simply the ability to perceive clearly-that is, to see the truth, to penetrate falsehood, phoniness, hypocrisy, and so on." Maslow, Abraham. “Eupsychia—The Good Society.” Journal of Humanistic Psychology 1, no. 2 (1961): p. 3.</ref>
# '''Esteem, Power, and Freedom Needs'''<ref>Thanks to Egle for pointing out the centrality of freedom and its relevance as an essential need. Note also that Abraham Maslow related power to self-esteem and self-respect in Maslow, Abraham. “Eupsychia—The Good Society.” Journal of Humanistic Psychology 1, no. 2 (1961): 1. p. 2.</ref> -- we all need to feel good about ourselves, and we all need to feel powerful and efficacious like  can create the world we want
# '''Need for [[Alignment]] with Highest Self''' - in Humanistic psychology, self-actualization<ref>
The term self-actualization, originally coined by Kurt Goldstein, was picked up by Abraham Maslow. For Maslow, the need for self-actualization is the need to be creative, to express one’s essence and desire, and to do what one is “fitted for.” As he says, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately happy. What a man [sic] can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization” (Maslow, 1943, pp. 382). This is all true, but in LP psychology we would understand self-actualization as actualization/expression of [[Self]], with a capital "S".</ref>
# '''Need for [[Connection]] with Highest Self''' -- in Transpersonal Psychology, transcendence; in Christianity, Islamic, salvation; in Buddhism, enlightenment; etc.)


In order for a [[Physical Unit]] to grow up healthy and [[Connected]], all these needs must be completely met.
in Humanistic psychology, self-actualization.<ref>The term self-actualization, originally coined by Kurt Goldstein, was picked up by Abraham Maslow. For Maslow, the need for self-actualization is the need to be creative, to express one’s essence and desire, and to do what one is “fitted for.” As he says, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately happy. What a man [sic] can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization” (Maslow, 1943, pp. 382). This is all true, but in LP psychology we would understand self-actualization as actualization/expression of [[Self]], with a capital "S".</ref> Presuming the existence of a “soul,” or a spark of Consciousness that exists independent of the physical body, we need to align our bodily ego, our body’s self or [[Bodily Ego]], with this higher level our Self, our [[Spiritual Ego]].  


==Need for Love==
===== Connection =====
'''Connection needs are your needs to be connected, to your family, to your friends, to your work place, to your own [[Spiritual Ego]], and even to God.'''
#Our biological programmed '''Need for [[Connection]] with family, Spirit, Highest Self''', place (land), the ancestors,<ref>Lucana, Sonia, and John Elfers. “Sacred Medicine: Indigenous Healing and Mental Health.” ''The Qualitative Report'' 25, no. 12 (December 1, 2020): 4482</ref> [[Pachamama]],<ref>Lucana, Sonia, and John Elfers. “Sacred Medicine: Indigenous Healing and Mental Health.” ''The Qualitative Report'' 25, no. 12 (December 1, 2020): 4482.</ref>and God.
#*It is not enough to actualize our highest self, we need to go beyond and actually make a strong connection with this inner Self.
#*This is a common desideratum of human spiritual systems. In Transpersonal Psychology, transcendence; in Christianity, Islamic, salvation; in Buddhism, enlightenment; etc.) In Transpersonal Psychology, this is known as transcendence; in Christianity and Islamic traditions, this is known as salvation, “Entering the Kingdom,” etc. in Buddhism and Easter traditions, enlightenment). In Sociology, this notion is expressed in a Christian form in Troelstech’s conception of mysticism as the “perfection of the spiritual life” and “unity with the divine” (Steeman, 1975). Evelyn Underhill points directly to this need when she says that we have an “innate tendency...towards complete harmony with the transcendental order, whatever the theological formula under which that order is understood” (Underhill, 2002). Jung referred to this as the experience of the numinosum (Jung, 1938, p. 6).
#*The [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] speaks of an "intimate and vital bond of man [sic] to God" and says that the "desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for."<ref>Vatican. ''The Catechism of the Catholic Church''. Vatican City: Vatican, 1992.https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P9.HTM</ref> "''Man is made to live in communion with God in whom he finds happiness: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete.''"<ref>Vatican. ''The Catechism of the Catholic Church''. Vatican City: Vatican, 1992.https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PD.HTM</ref>
In Vedanta, this is the highest need, the most " outstanding urge in people is the search after the abiding spirit or God. There is an inherent desire in every man to experience the abiding spirit, and until he reaches that goal there is no hope for real peace of mind."<ref>Akhilananda, Swami. ''Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West''. Routledge, 1948. p. 51-2.</ref>
Satisfaction of one's essential needs leads to wellbeing, physical, mental, and emotional health, creativity, and [[Eudaimonia]].<ref>Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci. “The Darker and Brighter Sides of Human Existence: Basic Psychological Needs as a Unifying Concept.” ''Psychological Inquiry'' 11, no. 4 (October 1, 2000): 319–38. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_03</nowiki></ref>


Reflected in the need for attention, need to be included, need for positive regard.  
[[Ibn Khaldun]] describes [[Asabiyya]] as group feeling, group cohesion (i.e., group connection).


When unmet, the need for love, positive regard, and attention can become desperation, and be exploited by disreputable or mentally ill actors. See for example Layton who cites Jim Jones attention and manipulative praise as psychological reasons for her toxic attachment to the Jonestown cult. <ref>Layton, Deborah. Seductive Poison. New York: Anchor Books, 2010. https://amzn.to/2wxOse4.</ref>
As always, this essential need for connection is biologically programmed by evolutionary processes for several reasons, most important of which, as outlined in Lightning Rod on the Positive Outcomes of Connection, is that being connected makes you smarter, more capable, healthier, happier, and more adaptable than you would be without connection, thereby increasing your chances of surviving and living a happy and fulfilling life. Basically, the spiritual ego is a better, more powerful, more capable version of your body ego. If you want the most out of life, you definitely want to connect the two.


===Need for Connection===
==== In the literature ====
George Simmel speaks of " religiousness as an inner state or need of man..."<ref>Simmel, George. Essays on Religion. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. p. 3.</ref>


Underhill says "Broadly speaking, I understand it to be the expression of the ''innate tendency'' of the human spirit towards complete harmony with the transcendental order; whatever be the theological formula under which that order is understood."<ref>Underhill, Evelyn. Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness. New York: Dover Publications, 2002. https://amzn.to/2C91xNY.</ref>
Underhill says "Broadly speaking, I understand it to be the expression of the ''innate tendency'' of the human spirit towards complete harmony with the transcendental order; whatever be the theological formula under which that order is understood."<ref>Underhill, Evelyn. Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness. New York: Dover Publications, 2002. https://amzn.to/2C91xNY.</ref>


Einstein says... "There is a mystical drive in man to learn about his own existence...the dignity of man depends not on his membership in a church, but on his scrutinizing mind, his confidence in his intellect, his figuring things out for himself, and above all his respect for the laws of creation" (Hermanns, 1983: np)
Einstein says... "There is a mystical drive in man to learn about his own existence...the dignity of man depends not on his membership in a church, but on his scrutinizing mind, his confidence in his intellect, his figuring things out for himself, and above all his respect for the laws of creation" (Hermanns, 1983: np)
Grof says "spiritual search [i.e., search for connection] appears to be an understandable and legitimate human activity." <ref>Grof, Stanislav. Technologies of the Sacred Part Two.” ''The International Journal of Humanities and Peace'' 15, no. 1 (1999): 93–96. p. 93.</ref> Further, "The deepest motivating force in the human psyche on all the levels of our development is the craving to return to the experience of our divinity"<ref>Grof, S. (1999). Technologies of the Sacred—Part Two. ''The International Journal of Humanities and Peace'', ''15''(1), 93–96. p.96 <nowiki>https://www.lightningpath.org/readings/Technologies_of_the_sacred_II.pdf</nowiki></ref>


The satisfaction of the seventh essential need - connection. "Only the experience of one's divinity in a non-ordinary state of consciousness can ever fulfill our deepest needs"<ref>Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 67.</ref>
The satisfaction of the seventh essential need - connection. "Only the experience of one's divinity in a non-ordinary state of consciousness can ever fulfill our deepest needs"<ref>Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 67.</ref>
Line 49: Line 179:
Grof also notes that "Full satisfaction comes ultimately from the experience of...our own divinity, not the pursuit of material goals of any scope or kind <ref>Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 8.</ref>.
Grof also notes that "Full satisfaction comes ultimately from the experience of...our own divinity, not the pursuit of material goals of any scope or kind <ref>Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 8.</ref>.


"It is not becoming increasingly evident that a craving for transcendence and a need for inner development are basic and normal aspects of human nature." (alignment and connection) <ref>Grof, Christina, and Stanislav Grof. The Stormy Search for the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth Through Transformational Crises. Penguin, 1990. https://amzn.to/2UtkgP1. p. 31.</ref>
"It is now becoming increasingly evident that a craving for transcendence and a need for inner development are basic and normal aspects of human nature." (alignment and connection) <ref>Grof, Christina, and Stanislav Grof. The Stormy Search for the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth Through Transformational Crises. Penguin, 1990. https://amzn.to/2UtkgP1. p. 31.</ref>


Huxley ([[PP]]) notes that Totalitarian regimes exploit humanity's need for "unity" (read Connection) by "by means of a philosophy of political monism, according to which the state is God on earth, unification under the heel of the divine state is salvation, and all means to such unification, however intrinsically wicked, are right and may be used without scruple."
Huxley ([[PP]]) notes that Totalitarian regimes exploit humanity's need for "unity" (read Connection) by "by means of a philosophy of political monism, according to which the state is God on earth, unification under the heel of the divine state is salvation, and all means to such unification, however intrinsically wicked, are right and may be used without scruple."
Line 55: Line 185:
St. Teresa of Avila notes speaks of a need for actualization and connection suggesting that is "quenches thirst." "Oh, my Lord, if only one could be plunged so deeply into this living water that one’s life would end! Can that be? Yes: 34 this love and desire for God35 can increase so much that human nature is unable to bear it, and so there have been persons who have died of it."<ref>St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es.</ref>
St. Teresa of Avila notes speaks of a need for actualization and connection suggesting that is "quenches thirst." "Oh, my Lord, if only one could be plunged so deeply into this living water that one’s life would end! Can that be? Yes: 34 this love and desire for God35 can increase so much that human nature is unable to bear it, and so there have been persons who have died of it."<ref>St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es.</ref>


==Further Reading==
Sri Swami Sivananda notes that religion (I would say [[Authentic Religion]]) a "deep inward craving"  (i.e., a need for connection)<ref>Sivananda, Sri Swami. ''All About Hinduism''. Uttar Predesh, Humalayas, India: Divine Life Trust, 1999. <nowiki>https://www.academia.edu/32682910</nowiki></ref>


Sosteric and Ratkovic. “Seven Essential Needs,” 2018. https://www.academia.edu/38114100/The_Seven_Essential_Needs.
Swami Vivekananda speaks of the critical importance of meeting people's needs. Though he did not use that name, intimations of a hierarchy of needs was first proposed by Swami Vivekananda in "The Secret Work" in his book Karma Yoga. <ref>Vivekananda, Swami. "The Secret of Work." Collected Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol. 5. 9 vols. Advaita Ashrama, 2016. https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/SWAMI-VIVEKANANDA-COMPLETE-WORKS-Vol-1.pdf</ref>


{{template:LPBOOK2}}
Essential needs are equivalent to "basic needs" in that they represent "an energizing state that, if satisfied, conduces toward health and well-being but, if not satisfied, contributes to pathology and ill-being." <ref>Ryan, R. M., and E. L. Deci. “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being.” American Psychologist, 2000. p. 74.</ref>


{{template:LPBOOK3}}
=== General Consequences ===
'''Easier to manipulate.''' Individuals with unmet needs may be easier to manipulate because of their lifelong craving and desperate seeking of satisfaction. <ref>Grof, Stanislav. ''When the Impossible Happens.'' Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2006.</ref> This craving, which is often completely unconscious, can be exploited by disreputable or mentally ill actors. See for example Layton who cites Jim Jones attention and manipulative praise as psychological reasons for her toxic attachment to the Jonestown cult. <ref>Layton, Deborah. Seductive Poison. New York: Anchor Books, 2010. https://amzn.to/2wxOse4.</ref> Note, this applies to all needs. Insufficient satisfaction leads to "craving" which makes actors susceptible to manipulators who offers, or even just promise, the satisfaction of one or more of the seven essential needs.
 
{{Courses}}{{lp101}}


{{template:endstuff}}
{{template:endstuff}}
Line 68: Line 201:
[[category:terms]]
[[category:terms]]
[[category:lightningpath]]
[[category:lightningpath]]
[[category:booktwo]]
 
[[category:bookthree]][[Is a term::Human Development| ]][[Is a related term::Essential Needs| ]][[Is a related term::Human Development| ]]
 
[[Is a term::Human Development| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Essential Needs| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Human Development| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Active Need Fulfillment| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Physical Unit| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Deficit Mode| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Healing| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::LP HEALING Framework| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Needs| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::3Ds of Toxic Existence| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Sufficient Satisfaction| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Attachment| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Polyvagal Theory| ]]
[[Is a related LP term::Communication Error| ]]

Latest revision as of 16:40, 16 October 2023

The Seven Essential Needs are the seven needs the physical body and mind (i.e. Physical Unit) is required to meet in order to grow up healthy and finally achieve and maintain strong Connection.[1] [2][3] The Seven Essential Needs are broken down into two general categories, basic needs and inner needs.The basic needs include the physiological, cognitive, environmental, emotional, and psychological needs of the body. The inner needs include the need for Alignment and the need for Connection. Failure to meet the seven essential needs leads to the 3Ds of Toxic Existence.

Seven Essential Needs

Syncretic Terms

Seven Essential Needs > Cognitive Interests

Related LP Terms

Seven Essential Needs > 3Ds of Toxic Existence, Attachments, Basic Needs, Dependent Need Fulfillment, Essential Needs Rule Set, Physical Unit, Realistic Empowerment, Sufficient Satisfaction, Toxic Socialization

Non-LP Related Terms

Seven Essential Needs > Active Need Fulfillment, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, Essential Needs, Health, Hierarchy of Basic Needs, Hierarchy of Cognitive Needs, Human Development, Needs, Polyvagal Theory, Seven Toxic Needs, Violence

Notes

The Seven Essential Needs are the foundations of human health and full Human Development. Failure to sufficiently meet essential needs leads to atrophy and eventual degradation of bodily systems.

Meeting essential needs puts an individual body into Growth Mode. Failure to sufficiently satisfy essential needs leads the Physical Unit (the body and mind) to redirect bodily energy towards the satisfaction of unmet needs. A body whose energy is being redirected towards the satisfaction of unmet needs is a body operating in Deficit Mode (see also Growth Mode). Chronic neglect of essential needs leads to dysfunction, disease, and disconnection (the 3Ds of Toxic Existence).

The Seven Essential Needs are broken down into two general categories, basic needs and inner needs. Each of these categories includes several related needs.

Basic needs are foundational needs. In order for an individual to grow healthy and connected, these needs must be sufficiently met else the body and mind atrophy. Basic needs include physiological needs (food, water), emotional needs (love and belonging, attachment, inclusion), cognitive needs (truth and understanding), psychological needs (positive self-regard, positive-esteem), and environmental (safe, aesthetically pleasing home environments. stable finances, etc.).

Inner needs are "spiritual" needs for Alignment and Connection.

The Basic Needs

Physiological Needs

Physiological needs include the need for healthy food, water, vitamins, and air, the need for physical exercise, the need for clothing, the need for sleep, and so on. Physiological needs also include the absence of physical pain.

Satisfaction of physiological needs has profound benefits for our physiological, emotional, cognitive, egoic, and spiritual well-being.

  1. Physiological Outcomes: Fulfilling physiological needs leads to overall improved health and vitality. Good nutrition promotes immune system function,[4] while regular physical activity can reduce the risk of various diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.[5] Adequate sleep is associated with enhanced immune function, improved metabolic health, and lower risk of chronic diseases.[6] Proper clothing protects the body from environmental hazards, while the absence of physical pain improves quality of life.[7]
  2. Egoic Outcomes:
  3. Emotional Outcomes: With physiological needs met, individuals are less likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression related to survival worries. Moreover, regular physical exercise can lead to improved mood and reduced anxiety.[8]
  4. Cognitive Outcomes: Adequate nutrition, particularly intake of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, supports brain development and can enhance cognitive function and slow cognitive decline.[9] Regular physical exercise and good sleep quality are also associated with better cognitive performance and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.[10]
  5. Spiritual Outcomes: Meeting physiological needs can free up mental and emotional resources and put the Bodily Ego into Growth Mode, allowing individuals to pursue Alignment and engage in Connection Practice.

A failure to meet physiological needs leads to a host of sequelae, including

  1. Physiological Impairments: Long-term deprivation of physiological needs can lead to various health issues. Lack of proper nutrition can cause malnutrition which in turn leads to structural changes and reduced brain volume,[11] a weakened immune system, and increased susceptibility to diseases.[12] Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health problems.[13] The absence of physical exercise can lead to obesity, heart diseases, and a decreased life expectancy.[14] Constant physical pain can deteriorate overall health and quality of life.[15] Note that physiological deprivations experienced by the mother have negative consequences for the fetus.
  2. Egoic Impairments:
  3. Emotional Impairments: Long-term deprivation of physiological needs can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, and depression, primarily due to feelings of vulnerability and an incessant state of fear and anxiety over meeting basic needs.[16] Chronic stress and anxiety can in turn lead to additional mental health impairments.[17]
  4. Cognitive Impairments: Chronic malnutrition, particularly during the "brain growth spurt," can impact cognitive development and function, causing deficits in memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.[18] Lack of sleep can significantly affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.[19] Finally, the constant worry about meeting basic needs can put an individual into Deficit Mode. In this mode, the individual's cognitive development, processing, and learning capacity are undermined[20] as cognitive energies are diverted away from growth tasks (Growth Mode) and towards meeting unmet basic needs (Deficit Mode).
  5. Spiritual Impairments:

Adam Smith said an interesting thing about the deprivation of physiological needs, particularly in relation to poverty.[21]

Emotional Needs

Emotional needs include our “love and belonging needs,” our need for support, acceptance, connection, and inclusion in family and friend groupings, for Attachment. These needs are particular important needs, evolutionarily speaking, since humans have always needed to be in groups to survive and thrive.

Sufficient satisfaction of emotional needs leads to, among other things,

  1. Physiological Outcomes: Satisfying emotional needs has been linked to better physiological health. Individuals who feel loved and supported have been found to have lower blood pressure, healthier heart rates, and stronger immune systems.[22][23]
  2. Egoic Outcomes:
  3. Emotional Outcomes: Fulfilling emotional needs contributes to emotional stability and satisfaction. Feelings of acceptance, love, and inclusion are associated with lower levels of stress,[24] anxiety and depression[25] as well as better emotional regulation and overall better resilience,[26][27] notably in adolescents.[28]Satisfaction of emotional needs also leads to increased life satisfaction and overall happiness.[29]
  4. Egoic Outcomes: Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence: Emotional support and acceptance can reinforce an individual's self-worth, thus promoting higher self-esteem and confidence.[30]
  5. Cognitive Outcomes: Emotional well-being, fostered by satisfying emotional needs, has been linked to improved cognitive function. Positive emotional states can enhance memory, attention. Feeling emotionally secure can enable better focus on cognitive tasks[31]and problem-solving skills.[32]
  6. Social Outcomes:
  7. Spiritual Outcomes: When emotional needs are met, individuals may experience enhanced spiritual well-being. This includes a greater sense of purpose, connection to others and the universe, and inner peace.[33] More specifically, satisfaction of emotional needs leads to stronger affective response and control

Failing to meet emotional needs can have a range of negative impacts across physiological, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and social dimensions.

  1. Physiological Impairments: Chronic emotional distress, caused by unmet emotional needs, can lead to various physiological consequences. Studies have linked emotional stress to health issues such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and weakened immune response.[34] Constant feelings of loneliness and isolation can trigger the body's stress response, leading to elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Over time, this can lead to physiological issues such as insomnia, digestive problems, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Research suggests that social isolation and loneliness may even alter genetic expression, leading to increased inflammation and decreased immunity.[35]
  2. Emotional Impairments: Unmet emotional needs often lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. The absence of emotional support can also increase the risk of mental health disorders.[36]Chronic unmet emotional needs often manifest as feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Individuals may experience low self-esteem and increased vulnerability to mood disorders. They are also more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors as a means of coping with their emotional pain.[37]
  3. Cognitive Impairments: Research shows that emotional well-being is closely linked to cognitive function. Chronic emotional stress can impair cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and decision-making. Long-term emotional neglect can also lead to cognitive decline in later life.[38][39]
  4. Social Impairments: From a social perspective, unmet emotional needs can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. This can result in social withdrawal, lack of empathy, and difficulty in communicating feelings effectively.[40]
  5. Spiritual Impairments: Unmet emotional needs can impact a person's sense of purpose and connectedness, vital elements of spiritual well-being. Feelings of loneliness and isolation may contribute to a sense of existential emptiness and a lack of meaning in life,[41] leaving one without a clear purpose or direction.[42]

Cognitive Needs

Our cognitive needs are our biologically and spiritually rooted need to know and understand the world.[43] Basically, our powerful need for truth.[44] [45] The cognitive needs are self-evident in children where they are expressed at a very early age in the incessant questioning of young children. “Mommy, why is the sky blue?” “Why is daddy angry all the time?”

Just like all your other basic needs, your truth needs are biologically rooted needs important for individual and collective survival, growth, and connection. An organism that does not know and understand its environment, an organism that does not pay attention and seek out the truth of things, is an organism not long for this world.

Satisfying cognitive needs can lead to various positive outcomes.

  1. Physiological Outcomes: One of the key impacts is improved brain health. Researchers have shown active engagement in mentally stimulating activities can contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function in old age and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.[46] Individuals may also experience a lower level of stress and anxiety, which can positively impact physical health, such as better sleep, stronger immune system, and a healthier heart rate.[47]
  2. Egoic Outcomes:
  3. Emotional Outcomes: Emotionally, satisfying cognitive needs can lead to increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and better emotional regulation. Satisfying cognitive needs can help individuals make sense of their emotions, leading to improved emotional well-being.[48] Fulfillment of cognitive needs is often linked to greater emotional well-being and happiness, resulting in more positive emotions, less emotional distress, and greater resilience in the face of adversity.[49]
  4. Cognitive Outcomes: From a cognitive perspective, satisfying cognitive needs can lead to enhanced problem-solving abilities, creativity, and critical thinking skills,[50] all of which can make it a lot easier to navigate and survive this planet's Toxic Socialization system.When cognitive needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness are met, individuals can show higher levels of motivation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.[49]
  5. Spiritual Outcomes: Spiritually speaking, satisfying cognitive needs helps alleviate boredom,[51] empowers, increases self-awareness, and enhances self-control and resilience. It also aids in the development of a solid worldview[52] which in turn enhances one's sense of fulfillment, one's purpose and meaning in life.[53] When cognitive needs are satisfied, individuals often feel a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life, which can enrich their spiritual experiences.[54]

Failing to satisfy cognitive needs can lead to various negative outcomes.

  1. Physiological Consequences:
    1. Cognitive Atrophy: The brain, being a highly dynamic organ, follows the rule of "use it or lose it." When cognitive needs are not met, especially in early development stages, it can lead to atrophy of certain brain regions involved in cognitive processing. This lack of cognitive stimulation can lead to reduced neuronal connectivity and synaptic density, resulting in poorer cognitive abilities,
    2. Increased Risk of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Numerous studies have suggested that cognitive engagement and mental stimulation throughout life can build a 'cognitive reserve' that can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. Failure to meet cognitive needs can potentially increase the risk of developing such disorders. For example, research has shown that lower cognitive activity levels are associated with higher risks for Alzheimer's disease and faster cognitive decline.[55]
    3. Increased Stress Response: The inability to understand or make sense of one's environment due to unmet cognitive needs can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Chronic stress has been associated with a multitude of physiological issues, including an overactive sympathetic nervous system, increased blood pressure, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
    4. Stunted Intellectual Growth: One of the most direct negative outcomes of unmet cognitive needs is stunted intellectual growth and limited cognitive abilities. This can lead to poor problem-solving skills, lack of critical thinking, and reduced creativity. An environment that does not satisfy an individual's cognitive needs can limit their cognitive development and ability to learn effectively.
  2. Emotional Consequences: Emotionally, failure to meet cognitive needs can result in anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Lack of understanding or knowledge about oneself or the world can lead to feelings of insecurity and inferiority, causing emotional distress. Studies have shown a strong correlation between unmet cognitive needs and mental health issues[56].
  3. Social Consequences: On a social level, inability to satisfy cognitive needs can lead to poor social interactions and relationships. Understanding social cues, empathizing with others, and effectively communicating are all dependent on cognitive processes. An individual who lacks these cognitive skills may face difficulties in forming and maintaining social relationships.
  4. Spiritual Consequences: Spiritually, individuals may struggle with a lack of purpose or meaning in life if their cognitive needs are not met. The quest for understanding and knowledge is often closely tied to one's search for spiritual or existential meaning.

Psychological Needs

In addition to physiological, environmental, and emotional needs, we also have basic psychological needs. Our psychological needs include our need for positive self-esteem and sense of self, our need to feel powerful and competent,[57] our need to feel good about and to have faith in ourselves,[58] and our need for autonomy and freedom,[59] We need to feel we are a good person that is worthy of love and acceptance. We also need to feel competent and powerful, like we can accomplish the things we want to accomplish in life.[60][61][62][63]

Satisfaction of these needs has been linked to well-being,[64] competence, vitality,[65] and enhanced creativity. Satisfaction of these leads also support Alignment and Connection, which together allow for the full expression of the Spiritual Ego.

Sufficiently meeting psychological needs has been shown to promote well-being and overall life satisfaction across several dimensions:

  1. Physiological Outcomes: When psychological needs are met, it can lead to improved physiological health. Studies have shown that positive self-esteem and autonomy are associated with better physical health, likely due to healthier lifestyle choices and improved stress management. Enhanced well-being can also lead to improved immune function and slower aging[66]).
  2. Egoic Outcomes:
  3. Emotional Outcomes: Meeting psychological needs contributes significantly to emotional well-being. A positive self-concept, feelings of competence, and autonomy are all associated with lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of positive emotions. People with high self-esteem and feelings of competence tend to be more resilient and better able to handle emotional setbacks.[67]
  4. Cognitive Outcomes: Satisfying psychological needs like autonomy and competence has been linked to enhanced cognitive performance, including improved problem-solving skills, creativity, and learning outcomes. It also encourages a growth mindset, promoting continuous learning and intellectual development[68].
  5. Spiritual Outcomes: A positive sense of self and feelings of competence can contribute to spiritual growth by fostering a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Individuals who have their psychological needs met may be better able to engage in self-reflection and spiritual exploration[69]

Chronic failure to meet psychological needs such as a positive sense of self, autonomy, competence, and feeling good about oneself can have severe consequences:

  1. Physiological Impairments: Chronic psychological distress can have significant impacts on physiological health. Prolonged experiences of low self-esteem, feelings of incompetence, and lack of autonomy can lead to stress, which in turn can affect the immune system, cardiovascular health, and sleep patterns.[70] Chronic stress has also been linked to accelerated cellular aging[71]
  2. Egoic/Personality Impairments.
    1. Personality Disorders: Particularly, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may arise from an inflated sense of self-worth and a desperate need for validation, while borderline personality disorder (BPD) might occur when an individual feels chronically invalidated and struggles with self-image and fear of abandonment.[72][73]
    2. Eating Disorders: Unmet needs for self-esteem and competence can contribute to the development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These disorders often stem from a distorted body image and an extreme desire for control.[74]
    3. Substance Use Disorders: These disorders may occur when individuals use substances as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of low self-esteem, powerlessness, or lack of freedom. Substance use disorders are closely linked to poor mental health and unmet psychological needs.[75]
  3. Emotional Impairments: A lack of fulfillment in psychological needs can lead to various emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Poor self-esteem and feelings of incompetence can lead to heightened sensitivity to negative feedback and rejection, increasing vulnerability to depressive symptoms.[76][77]
  4. Cognitive Impairments: Unmet psychological needs can negatively impact cognitive functioning. A lack of autonomy and feelings of incompetence can impair problem-solving abilities and diminish creativity. It can also result in a fixed mindset, impeding learning and intellectual growth.[78] It can undermine motivation for learning and intellectual development.[79]
  5. Spiritual Impairments: Chronic failure to meet psychological needs can also hinder spiritual growth. Low self-esteem, lack of autonomy, and feelings of incompetence can impede a person's search for meaning and purpose in life, potentially leading to existential crises and a lack of spiritual fulfillment.[80]

Environmental Needs

Environmental needs include our need for safe, secure, nurturing, stable,[81] and aesthetically pleasing environments where all our essential needs are met. This includes a need for a safe spaces where we can rest, develop, and grow, secure finances, consistency, and stability. Stability includes the emotional consistency of stable and nurturing parental relationships, as well as financial stability sufficient enough to remove the anxieties and uncertainties of basic survival.

Note that safety includes the absence of violence of any kind, including physical violence (e.g., spanking), emotional violence (name-calling, shaming), and psychological violence (verbal aggression, intimidation, condescension, passive-aggressive attacks, etc).

The fulfillment of environmental needs – safe, secure, nurturing, stable, and aesthetically pleasing environments – can yield profound physiological, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual benefits. Here's a brief overview:

  1. Physiological Outcomes: A safe and secure environment significantly reduces stress and stress-related health issues, thereby promoting overall physical health. Adequate environmental conditions also decrease the risk of developing many diseases and can lead to longer, healthier lives.[82][83]
  2. Egoic Outcomes:
  3. Emotional Outcomes: A stable and nurturing environment can significantly enhance emotional well-being, leading to decreased rates of anxiety and depression, improved mood, and increased life satisfaction.[84][85]
  4. Cognitive Outcomes: Secure and stimulating environments contribute to cognitive development, improved academic performance, and enhanced problem-solving skills. Children growing in such environments are more likely to develop stronger cognitive abilities.[86][87]
  5. Spiritual Outcomes: Fulfilling environmental needs can also foster spiritual growth by promoting a sense of peace, connection, and overall harmony with one's surroundings. People living in aesthetically pleasing and nurturing environments are more likely to report higher levels of spiritual well-being.[88][89]

The consequences of a failure to provide safe environments is cumulative psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual damage. Swami Vivekananda notes "The older we grow, the longer we are knocked about in the world, the more callous we become."[90]

Inner Needs

Inner needs include our important and closely associated needs for Alignment and Connection

Alignment

express and unfold [57]

We all have a need to express[91] and unfold. Aristotle, Carl Rogers, and others capture these needs with the concept Eudaimonia which is the expression of human excellence and virtue (read Alignment),the doing of what is worth doing.[92]

Moving to the inner needs now, our alignment need is essentially our need to be “synced-up” with our spiritual ego, to be in alignment with our spiritual ego,. To express and actualize who we truly are deep inside. It can be a little challenging to wrap your head around this, and we talk about it in much greater detail later. For now, just imagine your Spiritual Ego for what it is, a very bright, powerful, kind, compassionate, loving, and aware spiritual being. To be in alignment means that your bodily ego thinks, acts, and feels with the same power, kindness, compassion, love, and awareness that characterizes your spiritual ego. If you are not acting like that, you are not acting in alignment with your spiritual ego.

If you want to know what alignment looks like, think Jesus Christ, the Buddha, and, for all his patriarchal and elitist imperfections, Ghandi or Mother Theresa. Though they may not have been perfect, these individuals strove to meet their need for alignment between the spiritual ego and bodily ego by expressing power, kindness, compassion, love, and awareness.

For your information, Maslow has some thoughts on this inner need for alignment in his article “How we Diminish Ourselves," and how this need to align with our "deepest nature" finds a way to push through even when we actively resist. <ref>Abraham H. Maslow, “How We Diminish Ourselves,” The Journal of Humanistic Education and Development 29, no. 3 (March 1, 1991): 117–20.</ref>

Alignment needs are your needs to be in alignment/agreement with your own ethics, values, and purpose.  In LP terms, this means being in alignment with your Spiritual Ego.

in Humanistic psychology, self-actualization.[93] Presuming the existence of a “soul,” or a spark of Consciousness that exists independent of the physical body, we need to align our bodily ego, our body’s self or Bodily Ego, with this higher level our Self, our Spiritual Ego.

Connection

Connection needs are your needs to be connected, to your family, to your friends, to your work place, to your own Spiritual Ego, and even to God.

  1. Our biological programmed Need for Connection with family, Spirit, Highest Self, place (land), the ancestors,[94] Pachamama,[95]and God.
    • It is not enough to actualize our highest self, we need to go beyond and actually make a strong connection with this inner Self.
    • This is a common desideratum of human spiritual systems. In Transpersonal Psychology, transcendence; in Christianity, Islamic, salvation; in Buddhism, enlightenment; etc.) In Transpersonal Psychology, this is known as transcendence; in Christianity and Islamic traditions, this is known as salvation, “Entering the Kingdom,” etc. in Buddhism and Easter traditions, enlightenment). In Sociology, this notion is expressed in a Christian form in Troelstech’s conception of mysticism as the “perfection of the spiritual life” and “unity with the divine” (Steeman, 1975). Evelyn Underhill points directly to this need when she says that we have an “innate tendency...towards complete harmony with the transcendental order, whatever the theological formula under which that order is understood” (Underhill, 2002). Jung referred to this as the experience of the numinosum (Jung, 1938, p. 6).
    • The Catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of an "intimate and vital bond of man [sic] to God" and says that the "desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for."[96] "Man is made to live in communion with God in whom he finds happiness: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete."[97]

In Vedanta, this is the highest need, the most " outstanding urge in people is the search after the abiding spirit or God. There is an inherent desire in every man to experience the abiding spirit, and until he reaches that goal there is no hope for real peace of mind."[98] Satisfaction of one's essential needs leads to wellbeing, physical, mental, and emotional health, creativity, and Eudaimonia.[99]

Ibn Khaldun describes Asabiyya as group feeling, group cohesion (i.e., group connection).

As always, this essential need for connection is biologically programmed by evolutionary processes for several reasons, most important of which, as outlined in Lightning Rod on the Positive Outcomes of Connection, is that being connected makes you smarter, more capable, healthier, happier, and more adaptable than you would be without connection, thereby increasing your chances of surviving and living a happy and fulfilling life. Basically, the spiritual ego is a better, more powerful, more capable version of your body ego. If you want the most out of life, you definitely want to connect the two.

In the literature

George Simmel speaks of " religiousness as an inner state or need of man..."[100]

Underhill says "Broadly speaking, I understand it to be the expression of the innate tendency of the human spirit towards complete harmony with the transcendental order; whatever be the theological formula under which that order is understood."[101]

Einstein says... "There is a mystical drive in man to learn about his own existence...the dignity of man depends not on his membership in a church, but on his scrutinizing mind, his confidence in his intellect, his figuring things out for himself, and above all his respect for the laws of creation" (Hermanns, 1983: np)

Grof says "spiritual search [i.e., search for connection] appears to be an understandable and legitimate human activity." [102] Further, "The deepest motivating force in the human psyche on all the levels of our development is the craving to return to the experience of our divinity"[103]

The satisfaction of the seventh essential need - connection. "Only the experience of one's divinity in a non-ordinary state of consciousness can ever fulfill our deepest needs"[104]

Grof also notes that "Full satisfaction comes ultimately from the experience of...our own divinity, not the pursuit of material goals of any scope or kind [105].

"It is now becoming increasingly evident that a craving for transcendence and a need for inner development are basic and normal aspects of human nature." (alignment and connection) [106]

Huxley (PP) notes that Totalitarian regimes exploit humanity's need for "unity" (read Connection) by "by means of a philosophy of political monism, according to which the state is God on earth, unification under the heel of the divine state is salvation, and all means to such unification, however intrinsically wicked, are right and may be used without scruple."

St. Teresa of Avila notes speaks of a need for actualization and connection suggesting that is "quenches thirst." "Oh, my Lord, if only one could be plunged so deeply into this living water that one’s life would end! Can that be? Yes: 34 this love and desire for God35 can increase so much that human nature is unable to bear it, and so there have been persons who have died of it."[107]

Sri Swami Sivananda notes that religion (I would say Authentic Religion) a "deep inward craving" (i.e., a need for connection)[108]

Swami Vivekananda speaks of the critical importance of meeting people's needs. Though he did not use that name, intimations of a hierarchy of needs was first proposed by Swami Vivekananda in "The Secret Work" in his book Karma Yoga. [109]

Essential needs are equivalent to "basic needs" in that they represent "an energizing state that, if satisfied, conduces toward health and well-being but, if not satisfied, contributes to pathology and ill-being." [110]

General Consequences

Easier to manipulate. Individuals with unmet needs may be easier to manipulate because of their lifelong craving and desperate seeking of satisfaction. [111] This craving, which is often completely unconscious, can be exploited by disreputable or mentally ill actors. See for example Layton who cites Jim Jones attention and manipulative praise as psychological reasons for her toxic attachment to the Jonestown cult. [112] Note, this applies to all needs. Insufficient satisfaction leads to "craving" which makes actors susceptible to manipulators who offers, or even just promise, the satisfaction of one or more of the seven essential needs.

Related LP Courses

Footnotes

  1. Sosteric and Ratkovic. “Seven Essential Needs,” 2018. https://www.academia.edu/38114100/The_Seven_Essential_Needs.
  2. Also see Ratkovic, Gina and Sosteric, MIke. “It Takes a Village: Advancing Attachment Theory and Recovering the Roots of Human Health with the Seven Essential Needs.” Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 2022. https://www.academia.edu/61410417
  3. Sosteric, Mike & Ratkovic, Gina. Eupsychian Theory: Reclaiming Maslow and Rejecting The Pyramid The Seven Essential Needs.” PsyArXiv Preprints, 2020. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/fswk9
  4. Field, Catherine, Glen P. Johnson, and Patricia D. Schley. “Nutrients and Their Role in Host Resistance to Infection.” Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1189/jlb.71.1.16.
  5. Steven N. Blair, "Physical inactivity: the biggest public health problem of the 21st century," British Journal of Sports Medicine 43, no. 1 (2009): 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.030486
  6. Kristen L. Knutson, "Sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk: A review of the epidemiologic evidence," Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 24, no. 5 (2010): 731-743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2010.07.001
  7. Paul J. Goadsby, "Recent advances in understanding migraine mechanisms, molecules and therapeutics," Trends in Molecular Medicine 13, no. 1 (2007): 39-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2006.11.005
  8. Michael W. Otto, Jasper A. J. Smits, "Exercise for mood and anxiety: Proven strategies for overcoming depression and enhancing well-being," (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011).
  9. Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Marshall G. Miller, Nopporn Thangthaeng, Amanda N. Poulose, "Berry Fruit Enhances Beneficial Signaling in the Brain," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 65, no. 5 (2017): 820-827. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf2036033
  10. Laura D. Baker, Laura L. Frank, Karen Foster-Schubert, Pattie S. Green, Charles W. Wilkinson, Anne McTiernan, "Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognition for Older Adults with Glucose Intolerance, A Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease," Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 22, no. 2 (2010): 569-579. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-100768
  11. Isaacson, R. L. (1974). The effect of malnutrition on the developing brain. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(6), 667–676
  12. Ann M. Prendergast, and Eleanor M. Riley, "Immune Mechanisms in Malaria: New Insights in Vaccine Development," Nature Medicine 19, no. 2 (2013): 168.10.1038/nm.3083
  13. Kristen L. Knutson, and Eve Van Cauter, "Associations Between Sleep Loss and Increased Risk of Obesity and Diabetes," Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1129, no. 1 (2008): 287-304. 10.1196/annals.1417.033
  14. Steven N. Blair, and William L. Haskell, "Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Mortality in Older Adults," JAMA 296, no. 2 (2006): 216-218. 10.1249/MSS.0b013e31828b076a
  15. Abraham H. Maslow, "A Theory of Human Motivation," Psychological Review 50, no. 4 (1943): 370.
  16. Mary C. Sutter, "Fear, Anxiety and Worry," Psychiatry 3, no. 2 (2004): 45-48.
  17. Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, "How Does Sexual Minority Stigma "Get Under the Skin"? A Psychological Mediation Framework," Psychological Bulletin 135, no. 5 (2009): 707. 10.1037/a0016441
  18. Lynne Georgiadis, Alan Jackson, and Lucy Eaton, "Undernutrition and Cognitive Function in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review," BMJ Open 10, no. 5 (2020): e035378. 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035378
  19. Hans P.A. Van Dongen, Greg Maislin, Janet M. Mullington, and David F. Dinges, "The Cumulative Cost of Additional Wakefulness: Dose-Response Effects on Neurobehavioral Functions and Sleep Physiology From Chronic Sleep Restriction and Total Sleep Deprivation," Sleep 26, no. 2 (2003): 117-26.
  20. Rachel T. Kimbro, Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, and Sara McLanahan, "Young Children in Urban Areas: Links Among Neighborhood Characteristics, Weight Status, Outdoor Play, and Television-Watching," Social Science & Medicine 72, no. 5 (2011): 668-76.
  21. "But poverty, though it does not prevent the generation, is extremely unfavourable to the rearing of children. The tender plant is produced, but in so cold a soil and so severe a climate, soon withers and dies. " Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations - An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Bantam Classics, 2003.
  22. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Timothy B. Smith, Mark Baker, Tyler Harris, David Stephenson, "Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review," Perspectives on Psychological Science 10, no. 2 (2015): 227-237. 10.1177/1745691614568352
  23. Sarah Stewart-Brown, "Emotional wellbeing and its relation to health: Physical disease may well result from emotional distress," BMJ 317, no. 7173 (1998): 1608-1609.10.1136/bmj.317.7173.1608
  24. heldon Cohen and Thomas A. Wills, "Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis," Psychological Bulletin 98, no. 2 (1985): 310-357. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.98.2.310
  25. Sarah Stewart-Brown, "Emotional wellbeing and its relation to health: Physical disease may well result from emotional distress," BMJ 317, no. 7173 (1998): 1608-1609. 10.1136/bmj.317.7173.1608
  26. Loukas, A., & Robinson, S. (2004). "Examining the Moderating Role of Perceived School Climate in Early Adolescent Adjustment." Journal of Research on Adolescence, 14(2), 209-233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-7795.2004.01402004.x
  27. Repetti, R. L., Taylor, S. E., & Seeman, T. E. (2002). "Risky Families: Family Social Environments and the Mental and Physical Health of Offspring." Psychological Bulletin, 128(2), 330. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.128.2.330
  28. Qualter, P., Brown, S. L., Munn, P., & Rotenberg, K. J. (2010). "Childhood Loneliness as a Predictor of Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: an 8-Year Longitudinal Study." European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 19(6), 493-501. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-009-0059-y
  29. Sonja Lyubomirsky, Laura King, and Ed Diener, "The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success?" Psychological Bulletin 131, no. 6 (2005): 803-855. 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803
  30. Roy F. Baumeister, Jennifer D. Campbell, Joachim I. Krueger, and Kathleen D. Vohs, "Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles?" Psychological Science in the Public Interest 4, no. 1 (2003): 1-44. 10.1111/1529-1006.01431
  31. Stacey Wood, Eryn Brown, "Insightful problem solving and emotion: A selective review," The Journal of Creative Behavior 45, no. 3 (2011): 204-220.
  32. Michael A. Yassa, and Maria A. Stark, "Pattern separation in the hippocampus," Trends in Neurosciences 34, no. 10 (2011): 515-525. 10.1016/j.tins.2011.06.006
  33. Lisa Miller, Brien Kelley, Seungmin Jahng, Roberta Payne, "Spirituality and Health: The Role of Religion," Spirituality in Clinical Practice 1, no. 1 (2014): 42-50. 10.1037/scp0000006
  34. Salleh, Mohd. Razali, "Life Event, Stress and Illness," The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 15, no. 4 (2008): 9–18.
  35. Cole, Steve W., "Social Regulation of Human Gene Expression: Mechanisms and Implications for Public Health," American Journal of Public Health 103, no. S1 (2013): S84–S92.
  36. Taylor, Shelley E., et al., "Social Support, Stress and the Aging Brain," Social Neuroscience 10, no. 5 (2015): 378-391.
  37. Hawkley, Louise C., and John T. Cacioppo, "Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms," Annals of Behavioral Medicine 40, no. 2 (2010): 218–227
  38. Sapolsky, Robert M., "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers," Times Books, 2004
  39. Cacioppo, John T., and Stephanie Cacioppo, "Social Relationships and Health: The Toxic Effects of Perceived Social Isolation," Social and Personality Psychology Compass 8, no. 2 (2014): 58–72
  40. Cacioppo, John T., and Louise C. Hawkley, "Perceived Social Isolation and Cognition," Trends in Cognitive Sciences 13, no. 10 (2009): 447–454.
  41. Park, Crystal L., "Religion and Meaning," Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 2013, pp. 357–378
  42. Yalom, Irvin D., "Existential Psychotherapy," Basic Books, 1980.
  43. Maslow mentioned the need to know and to understand in his seminal 1943 article "A theory of Human Motivation."
  44. As psychologist Abraham Maslow said, "the most important characteristics of psychological health was simply the ability to perceive clearly—that is, to see the truth, to penetrate falsehood, phoniness, hypocrisy, and so on." In other words, the need to be in touch with reality. Abraham Maslow, “Eupsychia—The Good Society,” Journal of Humanistic Psychology 1, no. 2 (1961): 3.<nowiki>
  45. Habermas's provides a similar conception for cognitive needs in Cognitive Interests Scott, John P. “Critical Social Theory: An Introduction and Critique.” The British Journal of Sociology 29, no. 1 (1978): 1. https://doi.org/10.2307/589216. p. 2
  46. Stern, Yaakov, and Christian Habeck, "The Effects of Cognitive Reserve on Cognition," Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 52, no. 2 (2016): 487-494.
  47. Taylor, Shelley E., Laura Cousino Klein, Beatrice P. Lewis, Tara L. Gruenewald, Regan A. Gurung, and John A. Updegraff. 2000. "Biobehavioral responses to stress in females: tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight." Psychological Review 107, no. 3: 411.
  48. Berkowitz, Leonard, "On the Formation and Regulation of Anger and Aggression: A Cognitive-Neoassociationistic Analysis," American Psychologist, 1990, Vol. 45, No. 4
  49. 49.0 49.1 Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci. 2000. "Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being." American Psychologist 55, no. 1: 68.
  50. Piaget, Jean, "The stages of the intellectual development of the child", Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 1962, Vol. 26. 10.1007/BF01713436
  51. Thereby providing a temporary solution to Problem of Ennui
  52. Koltko-Rivera, Mark E., "The psychology of worldviews," Review of General Psychology, 2004, Vol. 8, No. 1. 10.1037/1089-2680.8.1.3
  53. Koltko-Rivera, Mark E., "The psychology of worldviews," Review of General Psychology, 2004, Vol. 8, No. 1. 10.1037/1089-2680.8.1.3
  54. Park, Crystal L. 2010. "Making sense of the meaning literature: an integrative review of meaning making and its effects on adjustment to stressful life events." Psychological Bulletin 136, no. 2: 257.
  55. (Wilson, Robert S., et al., "Cognitive activity and the cognitive morbidity of Alzheimer disease," Neurology, 2010, Vol. 75, No. 11.
  56. Leotti, Laura A., Sheena S. Iyengar, and Kevin N. Ochsner, "Born to Choose: The Origins and Value of the Need for Control," Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2010, Vol. 14, No. 10.
  57. 57.0 57.1 Ryan, R. M., and E. L. Deci. “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being.” American Psychologist, 2000.
  58. Akhilananda, Swami. Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West. Routledge, 1948. p. 80
  59. Edward L Deci and Richard M Ryan, Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behaviour (New York: Springer Science, 1985).
  60. A Bandura, “Human Agency in Social-Cognition Theory,” American Psychologist 44 (1989): 1175–84
  61. A. H. Maslow, Towards a Psychology of Being (2nd Edition) (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1968)
  62. Carl Rogers, Freedom to Learn (Columbus, Ohio: Merrill, 1969)
  63. C. Rogers, A Way of Being. (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1980); R White, Ego and Reality in Psychoanalytic Theory, vol. Psychological Issues Series, Monograph No. 11. (New York: International Universities Press, 1963).
  64. Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R., & Reis, H. T. (1996, January 1). What Makes for a Good Day? Competence and Autonomy in the Day and in the Person. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN, 22(12), 1270–1279. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings
  65. Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R., & Reis, H. T. (1996, January 1). What Makes for a Good Day? Competence and Autonomy in the Day and in the Person. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN, 22(12), 1270–1279. British Library Document Supply Centre Inside Serials & Conference Proceedings
  66. Ryff, Carol D., and Burton H. Singer. "Know Thyself and Become What You Are: A Eudaimonic Approach to Psychological Well-being." Journal of Happiness Studies 9, no. 1 (2008): 13–39.
  67. Deci, Edward L., and Richard M. Ryan, "The "What" and "Why" of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-determination of Behavior," Psychological Inquiry, 2000, Vol. 11, No. 4
  68. Niemiec, Christopher P., and Richard M. Ryan. "Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in the Classroom: Applying Self-determination Theory to Educational Practice." Theory and Research in Education 7, no. 2 (2009): 133–144.
  69. Emmons, Robert A. "Is Spirituality an Intelligence? Motivation, Cognition, and the Psychology of Ultimate Concern." The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion 10, no. 1 (2000): 3–26.
  70. Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K., and Ronald Glaser, "Psychoneuroimmunology and Health Consequences: Data and Shared Mechanisms," Psychosomatic Medicine, 1995, Vol. 57, No. 3
  71. Epel, Elissa S., et al. "Cell Aging in Relation to Stress Arousal and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors." Psychoneuroendocrinology 31, no. 3 (2006): 277–287.
  72. Elsa Ronningstam, "Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A Clinical Perspective," Journal of Psychiatric Practice 17, no. 2 (2011): 89-99. 10.1097/01.pra.0000396066.52803.aa
  73. Marsha M. Linehan, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (New York: Guilford Press, 1993).
  74. Christopher G. Fairburn, Zafra Cooper, and Roz Shafran, "Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders: A 'Transdiagnostic' Theory and Treatment," Behaviour Research and Therapy 41, no. 5 (2003): 509-528. 10.1016/s0005-7967(02)00088
  75. Edward J. Khantzian, "The Self-Medication Hypothesis of Substance Use Disorders: A Reconsideration and Recent Applications," Harvard Review of Psychiatry 4, no. 5 (1997): 231-244. 10.3109/10673229709030550
  76. Orth, Ulrich, et al., "Low Self-esteem Is a Risk Factor for Depressive Symptoms from Young Adulthood to Old Age," Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2008, Vol. 117, No. 3.
  77. Baumeister, Roy F., "Self-Esteem, Self-Concept, and Self-Worth," In Handbook of Self and Identity, Second Edition, 2012
  78. Dweck, Carol S., "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," Ballantine Books, 2006
  79. Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci, "Self-determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-being," American Psychologist, 2000, Vol. 55, No. 1.
  80. Frankl, Viktor E., "Man's Search for Meaning," Beacon Press, 2006
  81. See Polyvagal Theory for the neurological foundations and importance of this need for safety. Porges, Stephen W. “Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety.” Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience 16 (2022). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227.
  82. Evans, Gary W. 2003. "The Built Environment and Mental Health." Journal of Urban Health 80 (4):536–55
  83. Morello-Frosch, Rachel, and Bill M. Jesdale. 2006. "Separate and Unequal: Residential Segregation and Estimated Cancer Risks Associated with Ambient Air Toxics in U.S. Metropolitan Areas." Environmental Health Perspectives 114 (3):386–93
  84. Evans, Gary W., Nancy M. Wells, and Annie Moch. 2003. "Housing and Mental Health: A Review of the Evidence and a Methodological and Conceptual Critique." Journal of Social Issues 59 (3):475–500.
  85. Evans, Gary W., Nancy M. Wells, and Annie Moch. 2003. "Housing and Mental Health: A Review of the Evidence and a Methodological and Conceptual Critique." Journal of Social Issues 59 (3):475–500.
  86. Evans, Gary W., and Pilyoung Kim. 2013. "Childhood Poverty, Chronic Stress, Self-Regulation, and Coping." Child Development Perspectives 7 (1):43–48.
  87. Sirin, Selcuk R. 2005. "Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analytic Review of Research." Review of Educational Research 75 (3):417–53.
  88. Kaplan, Rachel. 2001. "The Nature of the View from Home: Psychological Benefits." Environment and Behavior 33 (4):507–42.
  89. Williams, Florence. 2017. The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
  90. Vivekananda, Swami. “Karma Yoga.” Collected Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol. 1. 9 vols. Advaita Ashrama, 2016. https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/SWAMI-VIVEKANANDA-COMPLETE-WORKS-Vol-1.pdf
  91. Expression is identified as an emotional need in Akhilananda, Swami. Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West. Routledge, 1948.
  92. Ryan, Richard M, and Edward L Deci. Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. New York: The Guilford Press, 2017
  93. The term self-actualization, originally coined by Kurt Goldstein, was picked up by Abraham Maslow. For Maslow, the need for self-actualization is the need to be creative, to express one’s essence and desire, and to do what one is “fitted for.” As he says, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately happy. What a man [sic] can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization” (Maslow, 1943, pp. 382). This is all true, but in LP psychology we would understand self-actualization as actualization/expression of Self, with a capital "S".
  94. Lucana, Sonia, and John Elfers. “Sacred Medicine: Indigenous Healing and Mental Health.” The Qualitative Report 25, no. 12 (December 1, 2020): 4482
  95. Lucana, Sonia, and John Elfers. “Sacred Medicine: Indigenous Healing and Mental Health.” The Qualitative Report 25, no. 12 (December 1, 2020): 4482.
  96. Vatican. The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican City: Vatican, 1992.https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P9.HTM
  97. Vatican. The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican City: Vatican, 1992.https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PD.HTM
  98. Akhilananda, Swami. Hindu Psychology: Its Meaning in the West. Routledge, 1948. p. 51-2.
  99. Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci. “The Darker and Brighter Sides of Human Existence: Basic Psychological Needs as a Unifying Concept.” Psychological Inquiry 11, no. 4 (October 1, 2000): 319–38. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_03
  100. Simmel, George. Essays on Religion. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. p. 3.
  101. Underhill, Evelyn. Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness. New York: Dover Publications, 2002. https://amzn.to/2C91xNY.
  102. Grof, Stanislav. Technologies of the Sacred Part Two.” The International Journal of Humanities and Peace 15, no. 1 (1999): 93–96. p. 93.
  103. Grof, S. (1999). Technologies of the Sacred—Part Two. The International Journal of Humanities and Peace, 15(1), 93–96. p.96 https://www.lightningpath.org/readings/Technologies_of_the_sacred_II.pdf
  104. Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 67.
  105. Laszlo, Ervin, Stanislav Grof, and Peter Russell. The Consciousness Revolution. Las Vegas: Elf Rock Productions, 1999. https://amzn.to/2TlOCmC. p. 8.
  106. Grof, Christina, and Stanislav Grof. The Stormy Search for the Self: A Guide to Personal Growth Through Transformational Crises. Penguin, 1990. https://amzn.to/2UtkgP1. p. 31.
  107. St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es.
  108. Sivananda, Sri Swami. All About Hinduism. Uttar Predesh, Humalayas, India: Divine Life Trust, 1999. https://www.academia.edu/32682910
  109. Vivekananda, Swami. "The Secret of Work." Collected Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol. 5. 9 vols. Advaita Ashrama, 2016. https://www.holybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/SWAMI-VIVEKANANDA-COMPLETE-WORKS-Vol-1.pdf
  110. Ryan, R. M., and E. L. Deci. “Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being.” American Psychologist, 2000. p. 74.
  111. Grof, Stanislav. When the Impossible Happens. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2006.
  112. Layton, Deborah. Seductive Poison. New York: Anchor Books, 2010. https://amzn.to/2wxOse4.