AP Psych Unit 8 - Motivation, Stress, and Emotion

perspectives of motivation

instinct, drive-reduction, arousal, hierarchy of needs

instinct

a complex behavior rigidly patterned through a species and is unlearned

instinct theory

states the motivation to survive is the most important motivation and the innate behaviors that aid survival drive our motivations

drive-reduction theory

the idea that a physiological need creates an aroused state that motivates an organism to satisfy the need and restore the body to homeostasis

arousal theory

theorizes that individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal

Yerkes-Dodson Law

moderate arousal leads to optimal performance

hierarchy of needs

says physiological needs must be satisfied before higher level safety needs and then psychological needs are addressed

approach approach conflict

an intrapersonal conflict occurring when a person must choose between two equally desirable, positive outcomes

approach avoidance conflict

an individual is faced with a single goal, option, or event that has both positive and negative characteristics

avoidance avoidance conflict

occurs when an individual must choose between two undesirable, negative, or repellent options

intrinsic motivation

the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, stemming from internal satisfaction, enjoyment, or interest

extrinsic motivation

behavior driven by external factors such as rewards or punishments, rather than internal enjoyment

leptin

decreases appetite

ghrelin

increases appetite

portions of the hypothalamus that control appetite

lateral and ventromedial

lateral hypothalamus

stimulates hunger

ventromedial hypothalamus

inhibits hunger

factors in hunger

environmental, memory

affiliation need

the need to build relationships

why people need to build relationships

to feel part of a group

achievement motivation

a desire for significant accomplishment

James-Lange Theory

A stimulus causes a physiological response and then you interpret that response as an emotion

Cannon-Bard Theory

An emotion-arousing stimulus triggers both the physiological arousal and the subjective experience of emotion at the same time

Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

Emotion requires both physiological arousal and a cognitive label/interpretation of that arousal based on the situation

Lazarus’ Cognitive Appraisal Theory

Emotion depends on how you appraise the situation before the physical response occurs

Zajonc-LeDoux Theory

proposes that many emotional reactions, particularly fear, occur instantaneously and automatically, bypassing conscious cognitive processing

universal emotions

a set of core emotional states recognized across all cultures

examples of universal emotions

happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise

facial feedback effect

the tendency of facial muscle states to trigger corresponding feelings

behavior feedback effect

the tendency of behavior to influence our own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and actions

Broaden and Build Theory

Positive emotions open the mind. The skills, knowledge, and social connections created during positive states become lasting personal resources that can be drawn upon later.

stress

the process by which we perceive and respond certain to events which we consider threatening and challenging

distress

negative stress

eustress

positive/motivating stress

Hans Selye

discovered general adaptation syndrome

General Adaptation Syndrome

describes the body's three-stage, physiological response to chronic stress

alarm state of G.A.S

The immediate, initial reaction to a stressor, where the body perceives danger and activates the fight-or-flight response

resistance state of G.A.S

If the stressor continues, the body attempts to adapt and normalize, reducing initial fight-or-flight symptoms but remaining on high alert, with continued cortisol release to cope.

exhaustion stage of G.A.S

Prolonged, chronic stress depleting the body's resources

tend-and-befriend theory

a behavioral response to threat that prioritizes caregiving and social bonding over aggression or escape.

problem focused coping

a strategy to manage stress by directly addressing, changing, or removing the underlying cause of distress

emotion focused coping

a stress-management strategy focusing on regulating negative emotional reactions to stressors

positive psychology

the scientific study of human flourishing, focusing on strengths, resilience, and well-being rather than just alleviating suffering