Which need refers to the desire to feel safe and protected from physical and financial harm?

The need that refers to the desire to feel safe and protected from physical and financial harm is indeed the safety and security needs. This concept is grounded in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, where safety and security come second after physiological needs. These needs encompass not only physical safety from threats but also financial security and stability, as individuals seek assurance that they are protected from harm, whether it be from physical danger, emotional distress, or economic hardship. This need is fundamental because, without a sense of safety, individuals may find it challenging to focus on higher-level needs such as belongingness, esteem, or self-actualization.

In contrast, existential needs relate more to an individual's search for meaning and purpose, while belongingness focuses on social connections and feeling accepted within a group. Physiological needs are the basic requirements for human survival, such as food, water, and shelter. Therefore, the correct identification of safety and security needs emphasizes the importance of having a secure environment as a precursor to pursuing higher psychological and social goals.