Motivation and wellbeing - psych

What is motivation

The conscious or unconscious drive leading the behaviour that individuals initiate direct and maintain

*Observable behaviours

What are motives

They are the desires behind goal directed behaviour

*Motives influence behaviour

What are the sources of motivation

• Physiological

• Cognitions

• Emotional

• Social

What is physiological motivation?

The needs for survival that motivate most human behaviour

E.g. sleep, toilet, drink, hunger, etc.

What is cognitions?

Refers to motivation being derived from intellectual challenges due to the intrinsic motivation that they produce

This drive is to satisfy curiosity and explore personal interest

E.g. values, goals, expectations, etc.

What is emotional motivation?

Motivation can stem from trying to avoid pain and seeking happiness

E.g. avoid fear, anger, stress, or strive for happiness and joy

What is social motivation?

The drive to form connections and relationships with the people around us

E.g. peer pressure, conforming, and seeking approval

What are Deci and Ryan’s (1985) 3 types of motivation - STD?

• Amotivation

• Extrinsic

• Intrinsic

What is amotivation?

It is the lack of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation

Increases when the environment doesn’t allow for behaviour to be performed

What is extrinsic motivation?

Motivation that stems from the desire for external rewards

This motivation is means to an end - meaning that when the reward is earnt, the behaviour ends

E.g. respect, money, awards, social recognition, etc.

What is intrinsic motivation?

Refers to motivation driven by an inner desire for self-actualisation (full potential), arising from achieving a specific goal

This motivation is an end in itself

E.g. self-gratification

What are Deci and Ryan’s (1985) recognised psychological needs for motivation - STD?

• Autonomy

• Competency

• Relatedness

What is Autonomy?

Refers to how people need to feel in control of their own actions

Satisfying this need improves their wellbeing, leading to increased motivation

What is competency?

The desire to feel capable of mastering new skills and experiencing a sense of achievement

It increases the likelihood that an individual will feel satisfaction from overcoming their obstacles

What is relatedness?

People have a longing to form social connections and be a part of positive relationships

It improves wellbeing

What are the strengths of self-determination theory?

• The theory is applicable across cultures and context - the three needs are universal

• Intrinsic motivation is a crucial aspect of self-determination theory. It supports the tendency for people to do things that they enjoy, rather than doing things for external rewards

What are the limitations of self-determination theory?

• The strong emphasis on autonomy is argued to minimise the influence that external rewards have on motivation

• The theory has multiple complex components, it may limit the ability to comprehend and apply (facilitator)

What is the application of self-determination theory?

• It is of interest to teachers, employers, managers, to increase the three psychological needs

  • This improves self-determination which leads to intrinsic motivation, which then promotes positive wellbeing

What is self-actualisation?

Maslow (1954) created a hierarchy of needs, based on the idea that everyone should reach self-actualisation

It is the ultimate state of being that everyone is trying to attain

It involves reaching one’s full potential and continually seeking growth and knowledge

What are the two types of motivation and needs (Maslow, 1954)?

1. Deficiency needs

2. Growth needs

What are deficiency needs (Maslow 1954)

They are basic needs that people are motivated to fulfil due to their absence.

Important for survival

Motivation decreases as each need is met

E.g. hungry, but eats food - need fulfilled

What are growth needs (Maslow, 1954)

They are needs that once met act as the motivation to continue fulfilling them

Develops a unique personality, leads to happiness, motivation increases as the need is met

E.g. graduating and inspired to reach your full potential

What was Maslow’s 1954 first hierarchy of needs

1. Physiological needs

2. Safety needs

3. Love and belonginess

4. Esteem needs

5. Self-actualisation

*don’t reference pyramid for exam

What was Maslow’s revised 1970 hierarchy of needs?

1. Physiological needs

2. Safety needs

3. Love and belonginess

4. Esteem needs

5. Cognitive needs

6. Aesthetic needs

7. Self-actualisation

8. Transcendence needs

What are the deficiency needs?

1. Physiological needs

2. Safety needs

3. Love and belonginess

4. Esteem needs

What are physiological needs?

Basic biological requirements that provide energy, physical contentment, and health

E.g. food, water, shelter, etc.

What are safety needs?

Involves both physical and emotional safety.

When these needs are not met, it causes anxiety and a lack of confidence in the environment

E.g. order, stability, free from threat, etc.

What is love and belonginess?

Incorporates both receiving love and giving love

A lack of love and belonging can result in isolation and loneliness

E.g. feeling worthy of love, affection, etc.

What are esteem needs?

There are two components:

Self esteem: desire for achievement, confidence, and freedom

Respect from others: recognition, attention, and appreciation from others

What are the growth needs?

5. Cognitive needs

6. Aesthetic needs

7. Self-actualisation

8. Transcendence needs

What are cognitive needs?

Gaining knowledge and understanding through the senses, personal experiences, and mental activity

A curiosity to understand

Philosophy and theology

What are aesthetic needs?

The appreciation for anything beautiful (the things around us). It contributes to a positive wellbeing

Not reaching this level can cause a sense of discomfort

What is self-actualisation?

It refers to how each person has their own way of reaching a feeling of self-realisation, self-fulfillment, and self-actualisation

It increases as people are autonomous

Peaks and troughs are normal here

Restlessness and discontentment are barriers to reaching self-actualisation

What are Transcendence needs?

Going beyond the limits of human experience. The deeper meaning found is then used to help humanity, rather than focusing on the self.

What are the strengths of Maslow’s (1954, 1970) theory?

• The theory focused on healthy human psychological development, which was uncommon at the time

• The theory was supported by a meta-analysis conducted by Alexander and colleagues (1991, et all). Results from 42 studies revealed that transcendental meditation (variant of yoga) was associated with significant progress toward self-actualisation

What are the limitations of Maslow’s (1954, 1970) theory?

• The sample was small and purposefully selected by Maslow. It lacked objectivity as he used subjective measures only

• The hierarchical categorisation of needs oversimplifies complex human behaviour. Other theorists have argued that this is not the most suitable structure for human needs.

  • The pyramid shape was not created by Maslow, but has become popular, it is not reflective of human behaviour and life’s obstacles

What is the application of Maslow’s (1954, 1970) theory?

• Maslow’s theory provides the framework to educational programs around the world - physiological needs are required before other needs can be met (e.g. recess and lunch)