Exploring Theories of Motivation

Instincts

Innate, fixed patterns of behavior in animals that are triggered by specific stimuli, driving them to act in predictable ways

Drive-reduction theory

Behavior is motivated by the need to reduce internal drives caused by physiological deficits such as hunger or thirst, aiming to restore homeostasis

Homeostasis

The body’s effort to maintain stable internal conditions

Belongingness

The innate human desire to form and sustain close, meaningful relationships with significantly drives behavior and affects emotional health

Arousal theory

Individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of alertness, seeking to increase alertness when it is too low and decrease it when it is too high, to enhance performance and well-being

Yerkes-Dodson law

Performance increases with physiological or mental arousal but only up to a point; when levels of arousal become too high, performance decreases

Sensation-seeking theory

Proposes that one’s motivation is driven by the need for varied, novel, and intense experiences

Thrill seeking

A component of sensation-seeking theory where individuals are motivated by the desire for intense and exciting experiences, often involving risk

Adventure seeking

A component of sensation-seeking theory, where individuals are motivated by the desire for new and challenging experiences, often involving physical activities and exploration

Disinhibition

Refers to the tendency to seek out social and experiential thrills by engaging in behaviors that are typically restrained by social norms and inhibitions

Boredom susceptibility

Refers to an individual’s intolerance for repetitive or monotonous experiences, leading them to seek out new and stimulating activities to avoid boredom

Incentive theory

Behavior is motivated by the desire for external rewards or incentives which can include money, praise, or other tangible benefits

Self-determination theory

Proposes that people are motivated by intrinsic motivations such as personal growth or fulfillment, or extrinsic motivations such as rewards and recognition

Intrinsic motivation

Refers to engaging in activities for their own sake, driven by internal regards such as personal satisfaction, enjoyment, or a sense of achievement

Extrinsic motivation

Engaging in behavior due to external rewards or pressures such as money, grades, or approval from others

Lewin’s motivational conflicts theory

Describes the psychological struggles individuals face when making decisions

Approach-approach conflicts

Occur when an individual must choose between two desirable options, leading to a conflict of which positive outcome to pursue

Avoidance-avoidance conflicts

Occur when an individual must choose between two undesirable options, leading to a conflict of which negative outcome to avoid

Approach-avoidance conflicts

Occur when an individual is drawn to and repelled by the same option, leading to a conflict between the desire for a positive outcome and the fear of a negative consequence