The importance of human needs during the retrospective peacetime in 1990 and the Persian Gulf War in 1991 was examined among 564 college students in the United States. Results of factor analyses showed that during peacetime, two factors (higher-order and lower-order needs) were identified. During the war, all needs were rated as more important and only one factor was identified. During peacetime, the safety of one's own life was significantly more important than the safety of the country, which was rated as the least important need. During the war, the safety of the country became significantly more important and was as important as the safety of one's own life. Students who had a spouse, family members, or friends in the Middle East during Desert Storm differed significantly from those who did not in war-related stress and the importance of several needs. (Author)