Basic Emotional Needs



· To give and receive attention (e.g., socialising)

· The mind body connection (e.g., not sleeping can lower the immune system)

· To have purpose and goals (e.g., having an aim in life)

· Belonging to a wider community (e.g., joining a group or a religion)

· The need for stimulation and creativity (e.g., working at achieving your goals)

· The need to feel understood and emotionally connected to others (e.g., having a close group of friends, having a loving partner)

· The need to feel a sense of control & independence (e.g., knowing what is in your control & making decisions)

· To feel a sense of security (e.g., financially, within a relationship)

· Having a sense of status within a social group (e.g., holding a specific position in a company)

· Having a sense of competence & achievement (e.g., being good at your job, meeting your targets/goals)



These are some of the main emotional needs that need to be met to ensure a healthy balanced life. You can look down the list and see if these needs are being met adequately in your life. When any need or essential skill (see essential skills) isn’t being met adequately that is when problems occur.

For example getting a migraine to gain attention. Or getting an addiction that tricks you into believing it gives you a sense of control. Or joining a gang and getting into the gang’s culture to feel understood and connected.