Unit 8: Motivation, Emotion & Stress

Instincts

innate fixed patterns of behavior in animals that are triggered by specific stimuli, driving them to act in predictable ways

Drive Reduction Theory

The idea that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need

Ghrelin

hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetit

Leptin

hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger

Belongingness

the innate human desire to form and sustain close, meaningful relationships, which significantly drives behavior and affects emotional health

Arousal Theory

Human motivation aims to increase/decrease arousal to enhance performance and well being

Yerkes-Dodson Law

performance increases with physiological or mental arousal (alertness), but only up to a point; when levels of arousal become too high, performance decreases

Sensation-Seeking Theory

proposes that one's motivation is driven by the need for varied, novel, and intense experiences

Adventure Seeking

a component of sensation-seeking theory, where individuals are motivated by the desire for new and challenging experiences, often involving physical activities and exploration

Disinhibition

refers to the tendency to seek out social and experiential thrills by engaging in behaviors that are typically restrained by social norms and inhibitions

Boredom Susceptibility

refers to an individual's intolerance for repetitive or monotonous experiences, leading them to seek out new and stimulating activities to avoid boredom

Incentive Theory

behavior is motivated by the desire for external rewards or incentives, which can include money, praise, or other tangible benefits

Self-Determination Theory

proposes that people are motivated by intrinsic (internal) motivations, such as personal growth and fulfillment, or extrinsic (external) motivations, such as rewards and recognition

Intrinsic Motivation

Motivation that stems from internal factors, benefits associated with the process of pursuing a goal (autonomy, mastery, purpose)

Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation that stems from external factors, benefits associated with achieving a goal or avoiding punishment (compensation, punishment, reward)

Lewin's Motivational Conflicts

Theory describes the psychological struggles individuals face when making decisions

Approach-Approach Conflicts

occur when an individual must choose between two desirable options, leading to a conflict of which positive outcome to pursue

Avoidance-Avoidance Conflicts

occur when an individual must choose between two undesirable options, leading to a conflict of which negative outcome to avoid

Approach-Avoidance Conflicts

occur when an individual is drawn to and repelled by the same option, leading to a conflict between the desire for a positive outcome and the fear of a negative consequence

Emotion

a feeling that involves our thoughts, body reactions, and actions, and is influenced by what happens inside us and around us

Elicitors

stimuli or events that trigger an emotional response in an individual

Arousal Comes Before Emotion

suggests that emotions follow bodily arousal; we feel sad because we cry, and afraid because we tremble

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

suggests that facial expressions can influence emotions, meaning that smiling can make you feel happier and frowning can make you feel sadder

Arousal and Emotion Occur Simultaneously

arousal and emotion occur simultaneously and independently; an emotion-triggering stimulus causes both bodily arousal and emotional experience at the same time

Arousal + Cognitive Label = Emotion

physiological arousal occurs first, and then the individual must identify the reason for this arousal to experience and label it as an emotion

Broaden-and-Build Theory of Emotion

positive emotions help us think more openly and try new things, making us stronger. Negative emotions do the opposite, making us think narrowly and act less

Universal Emotions

idea that certain emotional expressions are recognized and experienced similarly across different cultures

Display Rules

cultural norms that dictate how, when, and where individuals should express emotions

Health Psychology

the study of how psychological, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to physical health and illness

Stress

the response of the body and mind to challenges or demands (real or perceived), characterized by physical, emotional, and mental reactions

Stressors

events or conditions that trigger stress by challenging an individual's ability to cope or adjust

Eustress

positive stress that enhances motivation, performance, and emotional well-being

Distress

negative stress that decreases motivation, impairs performance, and leads to emotional and physical problems

Daily Hassles

Minor irritations that occur regularly

Significant Life Changes

Major events that require adaptation

Catastrophes

Unpredictable, large-scale events that cause widespread stress

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

stressful or traumatic events in childhood that can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being throughout a person's life

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

three-stage response to stress that includes alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, describing how the body reacts and adapts to stress over time

Alarm Reaction Phase

the initial stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome, where the body first reacts to a stressor with a "fight-or-flight" response, activating stress hormones and physiological changes

Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

a physiological reaction to perceived threats that prepares the body to fight, flee, or freeze to enhance survival

Resistance Phase

the second stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome, where the body tries to adapt and cope with a stressor, maintaining heightened alertness and stress hormone levels

Exhaustion Phase

the final stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome, where the body's resources are depleted after prolonged stress, leading to decreased stress tolerance and potential health issues

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

behavioral reaction to stress that involves nurturing activities to protect oneself and one's offspring, and seeking social support to reduce stress

Problem-Focused Coping

involves directly managing or solving the source of stress to reduce its impact

Emotion-Focused Coping

managing the emotional response to stress rather than changing the stressful situation itself

positive psychology

the scientific study of human flourishing to help individuals and communities to thrive

subjective well-being

self perceived happiness of satisfaction in life

resilience

the ability to adapt or recover quickly from difficulties or changes, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity

post-traumatic growth

positive psychological changes experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances leading to a higher level of personal or interpersonal functioning

positive emotions

feelings that foster enjoyment, interest, and contentment, and contribute to over-all wellbeing and happiness

gratitude

the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself, enhancing overall wellbeing by fostering positive feelings and relationships

signature strengths and virtues

core characteristics that a person naturally possesses and expresses which contribute to fulfilling, authentic, and engaged living

wisdom

the ability to make sound decisions based on deep understanding and experience, contributing to effective problem-solving and interpersonal relationships

courage

the mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand fear or difficulty, enabling individuals to face challenges and act in accordance with their values despite potential risks

humanity

the quality of being compassionate, empathetic, and supportive towards others, fostering positive interpersonal relationships and social well-being

justice

a commitment to fairness, equity, and advocating for the rights of others, which helps maintain healthy community and societal relationships

temperance

self-regulation and control over excesses and impulses, promoting balance and moderation in personal behavior and relationships

trancendance

the ability to connect to the larger universe and find meaning beyond oneself, often through appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, humor, and spirituality