Motivation, Wellbeing & health

Motivation

Motivation

conscious or unconscious drive leading the behaviour that individuals initiate, direct & maintain.

Motive

Desires behind goal-orientated behaviour. There are physiological, cognitive, emotional & social forces that drive human behaviour.

Sources of motivation - Pecs

Physiological - Motivation derived from needs necessary for survival, & they motivate most human behaviour.

Examples - thirst, hunger, tiredness

Sources of motivation - pEcs

Emotional - Motivation derived from emotions include trying to avoid pain & from seeking happiness.

Examples - emotions that guide motivation include: fear, anger & happiness

Sources of motivation - peCs

Motivation derived from cognitions include intellectual challenges, due to the intrinsic satisfaction they produce, & the drive to satisfy curiosity & explore personal interests.

Sources of motivation - pecS

Social - Motivation derived from the human need to be with other people this drives humans to develop social relationships & belong to groups.

Self-determination theory - Deci & Ryan (1985)

The theory focuses on the motivation behind human behaviour and the factors that influence it. It originated from research conducted by Edward Deci & Richard Ryan, who sought to understand the underlying drives of human behaviour beyond external rewards & punishments.

The theory starts with 2 assumptions:

1. the need for growth drives behaviour

2. Autonomous motivation is important

According to their theory, self-determination is critical in developing & use of extrinsic & intrinsic motivation.

Self-determination - is when a person or group make their own decisions regarding their life & how it is managed.