Praxis School Counselor (5422) Practice Exam

According to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, what does a middle school student struggle with when they have few friends?

1. Belongingness

2. Esteem

3. Self-actualization

4. Physiological needs

The correct answer is: Belongingness

A middle school student who has few friends would likely struggle with a sense of belongingness, which is the need to feel accepted and connected to others. Friendship and social relationships are important for a middle school student's emotional and social development. The other options listed do not directly relate to the struggle of having few friends. Esteem and self-actualization are higher level needs, while physiological needs refer to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and safety. These needs would not be affected by the number of friends a middle school student has. Therefore, the best answer is A, belongingness.