APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. in the humanistic psychology of Abraham Maslow, the highest level of need that comes into play primarily after the lower level needs have been met. Metaneeds constitute the goals of self-actualizers and include the needs for knowledge, beauty, and creativity. In Maslow’s view, the inability to fulfill them results in metapathology. Also called being value; B-value. See also Maslow’s motivational hierarchy; Maslow’s theory of human motivation.