In psychology, motivation refers to the processes that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behaviors. It is essential in understanding how individuals pursue their goals and the factors that drive them. One popular theory of motivation is Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which suggests that human actions are motivated by a series of hierarchical needs ranging from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.
Which of the following needs represents the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs and signifies an individual’s pursuit of personal growth and peak experiences?