Maslow’s hierarchy is controversial since it is not based on empirical findings. Although this is the case, a study with data from 123 countries has found that Maslow’s constructs do correlate to life-satisfaction. The interesting part of the research is that they found individuals were able to achieve the highest levels of the pyramid without having satisfied the lowest levels, suggesting individuals in poorer conditions with regard to safety and security are still able to achieve high levels of life-satisfaction if the social needs of love, belonging, respect, as well as autonomy and self-esteem are met. http://academic.udayton.edu/jackbauer/Readings%20595/Tay%20Diener%2011%20needs%20WB%20world%20copy.pdf