Which need is associated with the feelings of emptiness and the search for fulfillment?

The need associated with feelings of emptiness and the search for fulfillment is indeed self-actualization needs. Self-actualization represents the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which focuses on personal growth, self-improvement, and reaching one's full potential. Individuals striving for self-actualization are often on a journey to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. They seek to become the best versions of themselves and engage in creative and personal endeavors that resonate with their true identity. This pursuit can lead to feelings of emptiness if these needs are unmet, as individuals may feel that they have not fully realized their potential or achieved personal goals.

In contrast, physiological needs refer to basic survival requirements such as food, water, and shelter, which do not directly address the search for fulfillment. Safety needs involve the desire for security and protection, again not focused on inner fulfillment. Self-esteem needs pertain to respect and recognition from others and oneself, contributing to a sense of worth, yet they do not encompass the broader pursuit of personal meaning and growth that self-actualization embodies.