According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which need is third in the sequence?

In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the third level of needs is indeed social needs, often referred to as belongingness and love needs. This category encompasses the human desire for interpersonal relationships, love, affection, and belonging to a group. Once physiological needs (the most basic needs for survival, such as food and water) and safety needs (the need for security and protection from harm) are met, individuals turn their attention to social needs.

This level emphasizes the importance of emotional connections, friendships, family relationships, and social groups. Fulfilling social needs contributes significantly to an individual’s well-being and psychological health. A sense of belonging can support motivation and influence personal identity, making it essential for overall life satisfaction, especially in aging populations who may face isolation.

Understanding that social needs come after basic physiological and safety needs clarifies the structure of Maslow's hierarchy and illustrates how essential human connections are to mental and emotional health.