Needs vs. Wants in Psychology | Definition & Examples - Lesson | Study.com (2024)

There are many occasions when somebody expresses a desire and confuses that want with a need. Meet Tim and Jan; Tim is 15 years old, and Jan is his mother. Tim is heading back to school in his first year in high school. In previous years, Jan has always purchased Tim a new pair of shoes from the local big box store for under $40 so that Tim would have something that fit him well for the school year. Jan never goes over $40 because that is what she can afford without adding debt. She is a single mother and is responsible for all of their needs. However, this year, Tim is very upset about the $40 shoes because he wants some Jordans that cost $200, but he is willing to settle for Nike's that cost $150.

Jan explains to Tim that this is not feasible, as it would cut into the budget that covers their needs. Tim insists that having a more expensive pair of shoes is a need since he will not be considered socially acceptable without them. All of his friends have more expensive name-brand shoes, and if he doesn't get these, it will bring emotional and social turmoil to him. In Tim's needs versus wants psychology, shoes that cost more are necessary to make it through 9th grade. He does not truly understand the difference between a want and a need. Thus, Jan must explain to Tim the difference between wants and needs in a relationship and daily life.

The needs of an individual are true necessities that are required to keep a person alive. Some of these needs are physical, and some are emotional. However, many people confuse wants and needs. Physical needs are those things that keep a human being alive. Emotional needs must also be met, but the line gets blurred much easier here between a want and a need because the line is much finer.

Examples of Physical Needs

• Oxygen: Breathing is essential to survival for all human beings.
• Food: Enough calories and nutrient density to produce energy to accomplish daily tasks and maintain a healthy physique.
• Water: Approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water, and it is necessary to drink enough water each day to hydrate the body at a cellular level.
• Shelter: This protects from the elements and safety on some level.
• Clothing: From a need perspective, this is just physical covering that protects the body from the elements and helps regulate body temperatures like a warm coat, boots, hat, and gloves during a cold day. This does not mean the latest fashion trend.

Examples of Emotional Needs

• Security: Although this can vary between people, feeling safe and secure and knowing physical needs are being met is necessary for most people.
• Connection: This refers to the need to build relationships with other beings.
• Physical Touch: All people need some sort of physical touch, grounding, or connection with others, although the levels may vary.
• Freedom of Space: Again, this can vary from person to person, but everybody needs to have some autonomy.

Human relationships are an emotional need.

Emotional needs are a bit trickier than physical needs because they can change based on the individual. All people have a few basic emotional needs that can be met in a variety of ways. Most people desire interaction with other humans to fill this need. However, it is possible to self-soothe, get companionship and connection with pets, and find comfort and freedom from nature and the environment.