This week's ADHD HINT is about a fundamental human need -- the need for social connection or belonging! Does that feel like a need that's being met in your life, or could you use a tweak in that area? 

Do you remember learning about Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” in school? Here’s a diagram of it:  ​​​​​​​

In a paper written in 1943, Maslow proposed a theory that the most fundamental of all human needs are physiological, such as food, air, water, sexual instinct, sleep, clothing, and shelter. Once those needs have been more or less satisfied, the need for safety takes over -- physical, financial, health, etc. Once the physiological and safety needs have more or less been met, Maslow proposed, humans feel the need to satisfy their needs for belonging and social connection. 

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve read in more than one place that Maslow's hierarchy may need some tweaking. One major objection is regarding where he placed the need for connection and belonging. Rather than placing those needs in the middle as Maslow did, some social scientists are now suggesting that social needs should be in the most foundational level of the pyramid, right along with basic physiological needs. In other words, belonging and connection are essential to survival for humans. 

David Rock, in his book Your Brain at Work, writes:

"Many studies are now showing that the brain interacts with social needs using the same networks as it uses for basic survival. Being hungry, and being ostracized activate similar threat and pain responses, using the same networks."