Exploring Theories of Motivation

instincts

innate, fixed patterns of behavior

drive reduction theory

a theory that says behavior is motivated by the need to reduce internal drives

ghrelin

a hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetite

leptine

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

arousal theory

individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of alertness, seeking to decrease it when it's high and increase it when it's low

yerkes dodson law

performance increases with physiological or mental arousal, but when levels of arousal are too high, performance decreases

sensation seeking theory

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

adventure seeking

where individuals are motivated by the desire for new and challenging experiences, often involving physical activities and exploration

thrill seeking

individuals are motivated by the desire for intense and exciting experiences, often involving risk

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 stimulating activities to avoid boredom

incentive theory

behavior is motivated by the desire for external rewards or incentives

self determination theory

proposes that people are motivated by intrinsic motivations, such as personal growth and fulfillment, or extrinsic motivations, such as reward and recognition

intrinsic motivation

refers to engaging in activities for their own sake

extrinsic motivation

engaging in behavior due to external rewards or pressures

lewin's motivational conflicts theory

describes the psychological struggles individuals face when making decisions

approach approach conflicts

occurs when an individual must choose between two desirable options

avoidance avoidance conflicts

occurs when an individual must choose between two undesirable options

approach avoidance conflicts

occurs when an individual is drawn to and repelled by the same option