Motivation and wellbeing

motivation

the conscious or unconscious drive, leading the behaviours that individuals initiate, direct and maintain

the driving force behind human actions

sources of motivation

physiological = based on survival —> needs + drives

emotional = trying to avoid pain/ seeking happiness

social = belong to groups/ develop relationships

cognitive = satisfy curiosity, tackle challenges, reach goals/ expectations

amotivation

no sense of intention and no motivation

an “I can’t do this” attitude

intrinsic motivation

the behaviour itself is enjoyed —> by internal drives - morality, core values, interests

internal drives inspiring people to behave in certain ways

extrinsic motivation

motivated by external factors

EXTERNAL REGULATION = intention to receive rewards or avoid punishments

INTROJECTED REGULATION = external regulation that has been internalised e.g. guilt of fear

IDENTIFIED REGULATION = conscious valuing of a personal goal, person identifies with actions or values

INTEGRATED REGULATION = performed for personal gain, have interest/ identity

psychological needs for motivation

AUTONOMY = a sense of control over someone’s life

COMPETENCE = belief in one’s ability to achieve desired outcomes

RELATEDNESS = closeness and belonging with others

self determination theory

people are inherently motivated by things that satisfy their basic psychological needs for relatedness, competence and autonomy

self determination = the ability/ process of making one’s own choices and controlling one’s own life/ how it is managed

levels of motivation

transcendence = helping others achieve self-actualisation

self actualisation (growth) = the fullest realisation of a person’s potential, completely accepting of themself

cognitive needs = knowledge and understandability

aesthetic needs = appreciation + search for beauty

esteem + self-esteem (deficiency) = a need for strength, achievement, mastery - a need for recognition, reputation and self control

love + belonging (deficiency) = friendship, intimacy and affection - all people want to be loved and accepted by others

safety + security (deficiency) = protection from elements, security, freedom from fear, stability and consistency are necessary

physiological needs (deficiency) = required for survival e.g. air, food, drink, shelter - basic needs motivate people when they are unmet

criticisms of Maslow’s hierarchy of need

the assumption that it has to be traversed in order e.g. love in poverty

low amount of females and a low socio-economic sample

not testable

characterisations of the self-actualisation stage

efficient perception of reality, acceptance of themselves and others, a deep appreciation for life's basic experiences

self determination theory strengths

many uses

range of evidence

applicable cross-culturally

limitations

may not be able to determine individual differences

Ryff’s 6 factor model of wellbeing

autonomy = independence and the ability to regulate behaviour, having confidence in personal opinions

environmental mastery = effective use of opportunities, feeling in charge of societies, situations benefit personal needs

personal growth = continuing to develop, thinking it is important to have new experiences

positive relationship with others = people would describe me as a giving person, engagement with meaningful relationships

purpose in life = strong goal orientation, conviction that life holds meaning

self-acceptance = positive attitude on self, liking most aspects of my personality

subjective wellbeing

3 components:

1. infrequent negative affect

2. frequent positive affect (affective balance)

3. general life satisfaction (eudemonic well being)

subjective wellbeing findings

America = 1/3 of people respond that they are “very happy”

1 in 10 claim they are “not too happy”

replicated in other countries —> positive level of subjective well being (excluding very poor countries)

even disadvantaged (e.g. disabled) reported high levels of happiness

Diener hypothesis

there is a genetic basis for “positive affect” in human beings

hedonic adaptation

ability for humans to revert to a “set level” of happiness even after a tragic event

Diener limitations

people may not want to report being unhappy —> believe they are giving the researcher “the right answers”

affected by cognitive biases e.g. effects of expectations + adaptation

affective balance

affect = experience + outward expression of emotions

positive affect = pleasurable feelings, emotions, happiness, joy, contentment

negative affect = distressing emotions e.g. sadness or anger

people look for an equilibrium between the two = hedonic balance

characteristics of motivation

• goal directed behaviours

• vary from time + time + individual to next

• varies the behaviour and persists until reaching it is motivated behaviour