AP PSYCH EMOTION, MOTIVATION, & STRESS

Motivation

 The force that drives behavior, whether from internal desires or external rewards.Memory Trick: Think of a car—fuel (internal drive) or a push (external reward) makes it move.

Drive-Reduction Theory

• Definition: We’re motivated to reduce biological needs (like hunger or thirst).

• Memory Trick: Imagine you're thirsty—your body pushes you to drink to reduce that need.

Arousal Theory

• Definition: We seek optimal levels of excitement—not too low (bored) or too high (stressed).

• Memory Trick: Goldilocks principle—just the right amount of stimulation.

Homeostasis

• Definition: Body’s balance, like maintaining temperature or blood sugar.

• Memory Trick: Think of a thermostat—it keeps the room from getting too hot or too cold.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

• Definition: Performance is best at moderate arousal, not too high or too low.

• Memory Trick: Studying too little = bad, studying too much = stress. The middle ground is best.

Self-Determination Theory

• Definition: Motivation comes from autonomy (choice), competence (skill), and relatedness (connection).

• Memory Trick: Think of a video game—you enjoy it when you choose your actions, get better, and play with friends.

Intrinsic Motivation

• Definition: Doing something because you enjoy it.

• Memory Trick: Playing a sport for fun, not for a trophy.

Extrinsic Motivation

• Definition: Doing something for a reward or avoiding punishment.

• Memory Trick: Studying for a test just to get an A.

Incentive Theory

• Definition: We’re motivated by external rewards or avoiding punishment.

• Memory Trick: Carrots (rewards) and sticks (punishment).

Instincts

• Definition: Innate, automatic behaviors (like babies sucking for milk).

• Memory Trick: Animals don’t learn to migrate—they just do.

Lewin’s Motivation Conflicts Theory

• Definition: Motivation is affected by conflicts in decision-making.

• Memory Trick: Think of being stuck between two choices.

Approach-Approach Conflict

• Definition: Choosing between two good things.

• Memory Trick: Ice cream or cake?

Approach-Avoidance Conflict

• Definition: One option has both positives and negatives.

• Memory Trick: Eating cake (tastes good but bad for health).

Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict

• Definition: Choosing between two bad options.

• Memory Trick: Doing homework or chores—both stink.

Sensation-Seeking Theory

• Definition: People seek out excitement and new experiences.

• Memory Trick: Adrenaline junkies love skydiving.

Experience Seeking

• Definition: Wanting new sensations, like travel or art.

• Memory Trick: Curious explorers.

Thrill or Adventure Seeking

• Definition: Enjoying risky activities.

• Memory Trick: Roller coasters and extreme sports.

Disinhibition

• Definition: Needing to let loose and feel free.

• Memory Trick: Party animals.

Boredom Susceptibility

• Definition: Getting bored easily and needing stimulation.

• Memory Trick: "This is so boring!"—constant craving for action.

Hormones

• Definition: Chemicals that influence mood and behavior.

• Memory Trick: Body’s chemical messengers.

Ghrelin

• Definition: The "hunger hormone"—makes you feel hungry.

• Memory Trick: "Grrr" sound in stomach = ghrelin.

Leptin

• Definition: The "fullness hormone"—tells you to stop eating.

• Memory Trick: "L" for leptin, "L" for leftovers.

Hypothalamus

• Definition: Brain’s control center for hunger, thirst, and more.

• Memory Trick: Hypo-Homeostasis—it keeps balance.

Pituitary Gland

• Definition: The "master gland" that controls hormones.

• Memory Trick: The boss of all glands.

Satiety

• Definition: The feeling of being full.

• Memory Trick: Satisfied stomach.

Emotion

• Definition: Feelings like happiness, anger, fear.

• Memory Trick: Heart and mind together.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

• Definition: Body reacts first, then we feel emotion.

• Memory Trick: "I'm shaking, so I must be scared."

Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

• Definition: Body and emotion happen at the same time.

• Memory Trick: Cannon shot—boom! Both happen together.

Schachter Two-Factor Theory of Emotion

• Definition: We feel emotions based on body reaction + thinking.

• Memory Trick: "Heart racing + seeing a bear = fear."

Facial-Feedback Hypothesis

• Definition: Smiling makes you feel happier.

• Memory Trick: Fake a smile, feel better.

Broaden-and-Build Theory of Emotion

• Definition: Positive emotions help us grow and learn.

• Memory Trick: Happy = more creativity and resilience.

Display Rules

• Definition: Cultural rules for showing emotions.

• Memory Trick: Some cultures hide emotions more than others.

Elicitors

• Definition: Things that trigger emotions.

• Memory Trick: Breakups cause sadness, compliments cause joy.

Stress

• Definition: Body's reaction to demands or threats.

• Memory Trick: "Too much to do!"

Stressors

• Definition: Things that cause stress.

• Memory Trick: Tests, work deadlines, traffic.

Eustress

• Definition: Positive stress that motivates.

• Memory Trick: Pre-game excitement before a competition.

Distress

• Definition: Negative, overwhelming stress.

• Memory Trick: Feeling burnt out.

Locus of Control

• Definition: How much control you feel over your life.

• Memory Trick: Do you blame yourself or outside factors?

Internal Locus of Control

• Definition: "I control my success."

• Memory Trick: Hard work pays off.

External Locus of Control

• Definition: "Things happen to me."

• Memory Trick: Blaming luck.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Definition: Traumatic childhood events that affect adulthood.

• Memory Trick: Rough childhood = lasting impact.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• Definition: How the body handles stress over time.

• Memory Trick: 3 stages: alarm, resistance, exhaustion.

Alarm Phase

• Definition: First stress response—fight-or-flight kicks in.

• Memory Trick: Body on high alert.

Resistance Phase

• Definition: Body tries to cope with stress.

• Memory Trick: Staying strong but draining energy.

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

• Definition: Automatic reaction to danger.

• Memory Trick: Run, fight, or freeze.

Exhaustion Phase

• Definition: Stress wears you out.

• Memory Trick: Total burnout.

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

• Definition: People (especially women) cope with stress by seeking support.

• Memory Trick: Comfort from friends.

Problem-Focused Coping

• Definition: Solving the problem directly.

• Memory Trick: Fixing a broken car instead of crying about it.

Emotion-Focused Coping

• Definition: Managing feelings instead of fixing the problem.

• Memory Trick: Venting after a bad day.

Positive Psychology

• Definition: Studying happiness and strengths.

• Memory Trick: Focus on the good!