To which level of Maslow's hierarchy do feelings of being wanted and loved belong?

Feelings of being wanted and loved belong to emotional needs, which are essential for social connection and personal fulfillment. This concept aligns with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where emotional needs are a critical component. These needs are situated after physiological and safety requirements but before self-actualization. The need for love and belonging is fundamental to human motivation, influencing relationships, and overall mental health.

Maslow categorized these emotional needs under the third tier of his hierarchy, recognizing that individuals must first satisfy their basic physiological and safety needs before they can fully engage in social relationships and seek affection or belonging. Understanding this tier is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and social supports for overall well-being, which are invaluable for personal and professional identity development.