Unit 9 Theories of Motivation, Emotion, and Health Psychology

Intrinsic motivation

Doing something for internal satisfaction (ex: learning because it's enjoyable).

Extrinsic motivation

Doing something for external rewards (ex: grades, money, praise).

Drive-Reduction Theory

Motivation arises from the need to reduce internal tension caused by unmet biological needs.

Optimal Arousal Theory

We seek an ideal level of arousal for peak performance.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

Moderate arousal leads to optimal performance.

Sensation-Seeking Theory

People seek varied, novel, complex sensations. Types: thrill-seeking, experience-seeking, disinhibition, boredom susceptibility.

Fixed Action Patterns

Instinctive behavioral sequences that are triggered by specific stimuli.

Self-Determination Theory

We are motivated by needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Approach-approach conflict

Choosing between two attractive options.

Avoidance-avoidance conflict

Choosing between two unattractive options.

Approach-avoidance conflict

One choice has both positive and negative aspects.

Multiple approach-avoidance conflict

Multiple options, each with pros and cons.

Hypothalamus in hunger regulation

It monitors and regulates hunger signals.

Ghrelin

A hormone that increases hunger.

Leptin

A hormone that decreases hunger.

Insulin and glucose relation to hunger

They regulate blood sugar, influencing hunger levels.

Homeostasis in hunger

The body maintaining internal balance.

Psychological/situational factors affecting hunger

Mood, culture, time of day, portion size, food availability.

James-Lange Theory

Arousal → physical response → emotion.

Cannon-Bard Theory

Arousal and emotion happen simultaneously.

Schachter-Singer (Two-Factor) Theory

Arousal + cognitive label = emotion.

Lazarus' Cognitive Appraisal Theory

Thinking (appraisal) happens before emotional response.

Zajonc/LeDoux Theory

Some emotions are felt instantly without conscious appraisal.

Facial Feedback Effect

Facial expressions influence emotional experiences.

Spillover Effect

The influence of one emotional state on another.

Arousal

Arousal from one event can carry into another, affecting emotion.

Universal emotions

Happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust.

Display rules

Cultural rules for how and when emotions are expressed.

Individualist vs Collectivist cultures

Individualist cultures express more openly; collectivist cultures are more reserved.

Reading emotions

Yes, especially facial expressions and body language.

Gender differences in emotional expression

Yes, women tend to be more expressive and empathetic.

Health psychology

How behavior, psychology, and culture affect health and illness.

Body's stress response system

Sympathetic nervous system → fight-flight-freeze.

Common stressors

Daily hassles, traumatic events, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Eustress vs Distress

Eustress is positive stress; distress is negative stress.

Stages of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion.

Stress and immune system

It suppresses immune function, making illness more likely.

Stress and heart health

It increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

Emotion-focused coping strategies

Managing emotional response (meditation, breathing).

Problem-focused coping strategies

Tackling the stressor itself.

Tend and befriend response

Seeking support and nurturing others in response to stress.

Post-traumatic growth

Positive change after overcoming trauma.

Positive psychology

Well-being, strengths, happiness, and resilience.

Traits of happy people

Social connection, gratitude, optimism, meaning in life.

Adaptation-level phenomenon

We adjust to new happiness levels, making them feel 'normal.'

Relative deprivation

Feeling worse when comparing ourselves to others who have more.

Signature character strengths

Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, Transcendence.

Increasing well-being

Gratitude, mindfulness, empathy, compassion, social connection, altruism.

Broaden-and-Build Theory

Positive emotions expand awareness and encourage long-term personal growth.