Advertising and Public Relations · TEE · papers

Q4B · Discuss the ‘Maslow’s Model of Hierarchy of Needs’ used as an advertising model with a sketch of Maslow’s pyramid for hierarchy of needs

2026-07-11 · Re-examination

Actual TEE paper · 100 marks · Q1 compulsory + any four complete Q2–Q7

2026-07-11 · Q4B · Previous-paper question. Discuss the ‘Maslow’s Model of Hierarchy of Needs’ used as an advertising model with a sketch of Maslow’s pyramid for hierarchy of needs. [10 marks]

Answer

Maslow: five types of needs used in advertising appeals

Definition. Maslow’s hierarchy groups human needs into physiological, safety, belongingness, esteem and self-actualisation needs. Advertisers may connect an offering to a relevant need.

In simple words. Ad dekhke pucho: kaunsi need ko appeal kar raha hai?

Swipe across the diagram to read its labels ↔
Maslow: needs used as possible advertising appeals
Diagram: Maslow: needs used as possible advertising appeals. Labels: Maslow: needs used as possible advertising appeals | Maslow: needs used as possible advertising appeals | 5 | Self-actualisation | Learning and potential | 4 | Esteem | Achievement and respect | 3 | Belonging | Friendship and connection | 2 | Safety | Protection and security | 1 | Physiological | Food, water and rest | A useful model; not a rigid universal rule for every person or culture.
Maslow: five types of needs used in advertising appeals — follow the labels in order.

Understand it step by step

  1. Physiological: basic bodily needs such as food, water and rest. A water-service message can emphasise access to drinking water.
  2. Safety: security, protection and predictability. A helmet advertisement may emphasise tested protection, without guaranteeing that injury is impossible.
  3. Belonging: friendship, family and acceptance. The meaning is social connection.
  4. Esteem: respect, achievement and confidence. An appeal may link a product or service to recognition.
  5. Self-actualisation: developing capabilities and fulfilling personal potential. A creative course may invite the learner to develop a skill.
  6. Limit: the hierarchy is a useful interpretive model, not a universal rule requiring every lower need to be completely satisfied before another need matters.

See it in use

Connect each need to a different advertising appeal

Need, from the base upwardWhy the appeal fitsIllustrative message
PhysiologicalThe offering is related to a basic bodily need such as food or water.A drinking-water advertisement emphasises access to safe water and relief from thirst, using substantiated product claims.
SafetyThe appeal addresses protection, stability or reduction of a relevant threat.A tested protective helmet is advertised using its applicable safety certification and proper-use information; it does not promise zero injury.
Belongingness / socialThe appeal connects the product or experience with relationships and inclusion.A shared meal advertisement shows friends gathering and enjoying time together. The social meaning supports the appeal.
EsteemThe appeal concerns respect, recognition, achievement or self-confidence.A professional-development programme highlights a learner’s demonstrated achievement and recognition, without guaranteeing promotion.
Self-actualisationThe appeal concerns developing one’s abilities, creativity or potential.An art course encourages learners to develop their own creative work, rather than relying only on status or external praise.

Draw and label the pyramid from physiological needs at the base to self-actualisation at the top. Then explain the motive, product connection and example for each level. One advertisement may appeal to several needs, and people do not always satisfy them in an inflexible order. Use the hierarchy to analyse an appeal; do not diagnose every buyer from one purchase.