Maslow's hierarchy-of-needs theory is used to predict development of Qualit
y of Life (QOL) in countries over time. Previous data sets have not had suf
ficient power to test these development trends among countries. Therefore a
new database was developed that includes annual quality of life time-serie
s for 88 countries from 1960 to 1994, covering measures on all five of Masl
ow's need-levels. Results showed significant agreement with some of Maslow'
s predictions, including his sequence of need achievement, and parts of an
S-shaped trajectory in QOL. However, his mechanism of growth - that countri
es must slow growth in one area to increase growth in another - was disconf
irmed.