Theories of Emotion and Motivation

Psychology

Emotion 

A mind and body’s integrated response to a stimulus of some kind.

No. We learn them through experience.

Are we born with emotions?

Common-Sense Theory

Theory in which a stimulus leads to an emotion, which then leads to bodily reaction

Common Sense Theory

Environmental influence (some event) ---> emotion ---> Physiological state changes

James-Lange Theory

Emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events

James-Lange Theory

External stimulus——>Physiological reaction——>Emotional reaction is dependent upon how you interpret those physical reactions

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Facial expressions are connected to experiencing emotions

Cannon-Bard Theory

Suggests that the physical and psychological experience of emotion happen at the same time and that one does not cause the other

Cannon-Bard Theory

External Stimulus and Psychological Reaction —> Emotion

Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

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

Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

Stimulus —> Physiological Response —> Cognitively interpreted and labeled which results in an emotion

Motivation

an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal directed behavior

Instinct Theory

• Behavior is driven by survival instincts 

• Core: Motivation: SURVIVAL

• Psychologists debate whether humans have true instincts

Drive Reduction Theory 

• We are motivated to reduce drives (states of discomfort)

• are caused by needs like hunger, thirst, warmth 

• The greater the need, the stronger the drive

Incentive Theory

• We act because of external rewards or punishments

• Behavior is motivated by the promise of something good or avoiding something bad 

• can encourage or discourage actions

Optimum Arousal Theory

there is an ideal level of anxiety or stress that leads to peak performance.

Abraham Maslow

Who created the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

suggested that people are motivated to achieve needs in a specific order

Physiological Needs

things that are vital to our survival (most basic needs)

Security/Safety Needs

• Financial security (finding a job)

• Heath and wellness (health insurance/healthcare)

• Safety against accidents and injury

Social Needs

• Friendships 

• Romantic attachments

• Family

• Social groups

• Community groups

• Churches and religious organizations

Esteem Needs

• Feelings of Accomplishment

• Prestige

• Self-esteem

• Personal worth

Self-Actualization

becoming your best self and reaching your full potential