Fundamental human needs and their relationship to conflict.

Conflict does not come out of nowhere; in most cases, it is a direct response to a real or perceived threat to our deepest needs.

Unconsciously, the human brain is constantly evaluating the environment to predict what will happen, and when it detects something that puts our well-being at risk, it activates a tension that can trigger conflict.

It is essential to reflect on what these needs are, because when they are not satisfied, we experience anxiety and insecurity, and can even become ill.

On the contrary, if our needs are satisfied, we feel at peace with ourselves and with others.

Psychology has identified six fundamental psychological needs that all human beings possess and which, if unmet, can be the cause of conflict:

Identity: The need to have a clear sense of who we are and what our purpose in the world is.

When this identity feels unstable, we become insecure, which can lead to conflict.

Security: The need to feel safe in our environment and to have the confidence to express our identity.

Lack of security makes us anxious and defensive, which often triggers conflict.

Care: The desire for connection and belonging with other people, which makes us feel valuable and trusted.

When this need is not met, we may feel hopeless or lost.

Freedom: The right to choose how and with whom we live.

If this freedom is restricted, we feel frustrated and become defensive, which can lead to conflict.

Growth: The need to progress in life, setting goals and recognizing achievements.

Those who do not satisfy this need may feel worthless and insecure.

Stimulation: The desire to keep the mind occupied through challenge or entertainment.

This need helps us feel satisfied and busy.

By learning to identify how these needs are affected in your interactions, you will be better prepared to address conflicts at their root.

To resolve a conflict, it is necessary to build trust that people's needs will not be threatened.

Summary

Why do conflicts arise? Most of the time it is because one of our deepest human needs feels threatened, whether the threat is real or just a perception. When they are not met, we feel anxiety and insecurity.

Psychology identifies six fundamental needs that we all share. These are: Identity, Safety, Security, Caring (connection), Freedom (right to choose), Growth (progress) and Stimulation (keeping the mind busy).

By learning to detect how these needs are affected during a disagreement, you will be much better prepared to address the real root of the conflict. The key is to build trust so that no one feels threatened.