What Science Knows About Needs

We all have psychological needs that shape how we feel, think, and behave. Science shows that things like feeling safe, connected to others, valued, and having meaning in life are essential for mental health.
Different theories—from Freud to modern research by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan—describe these needs in different ways, but they largely agree on one thing: when our needs are met, we function well; when they are not, we struggle.
In this short talk, we’ll look at what science actually knows about psychological needs—simply and without jargon.