I think a "theory" in science stands for a hypothesis that is backed up by well established facts. It's like the highest standard a hypothesis can ever achieve. They call in a theory just to make sure if anything more plausible comes around it can still be replaced.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs, as far as I know, is a standing theory in psyhology. So one has to fulfill the needs in lower levels before they can move to higher levels and ultimately be the best version of themselves. I'm assuming intimate relationship doesn't necessarilly mean sexual relationship, but it can be. So looking at myself, and probably for many others in this sub, I feel like my focus on sex and sexual relationship is disproportionatly larger than on everything else on that particular level. So I think the whole point of nofap is to of rewire the mind to kind of lower importance of sexual relationships, but still fulfilling your love and belongingness needs to continue our further development.

Btw, english isn't my first language so apologies in advance...