According to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the category of needs that has not been fulfilled for Madeline is the "belongingness and love" needs. These needs are the third level in Maslow's hierarchy, just above the basic physiological and safety needs.
The "belongingness and love" needs refer to the desire for social connections, friendships, and a sense of belonging to groups or communities. It includes the need for intimate relationships, such as friendships and romantic partnerships, as well as the need to be accepted and included in social activities.
In Madeline's case, she feels like she is never included in group activities or social events, which suggests that her need for belongingness and love is not being met. This lack of inclusion in social interactions can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and a sense of being disconnected from others.
For Maslow, the fulfillment of needs is hierarchical, meaning that the lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs can become the focus of attention. In this context, if Madeline's basic physiological and safety needs are already met (e.g., food, shelter, security), her unmet need for belongingness and love becomes more prominent and can significantly impact her well-being.
To address her feelings of loneliness and depression, it would be essential for Madeline to find opportunities to connect with others, build supportive relationships, and engage in social activities where she feels accepted and included. Meeting this need can contribute to a greater sense of belonging, improve her emotional state, and support her overall mental health and well-being.