Motivation Theories and Factors

motivation

The term used to describe the factors that initiate, direct, and sustain goal-directed behavior.

grand theories

Comprehensive theories that attempt to explain all aspects of motivation.

instinct theories

Theories that propose that behavior is motivated by innate, fixed patterns of behavior.

fall out of favor

To lose popularity or acceptance.

drive theories

Theories that propose that behavior is motivated by the desire to reduce internal tension caused by unmet biological needs.

Clark L. Hull's mathematical formulation

A mathematical equation that describes the relationship between drive, habit strength, and the likelihood of a response.

incentive

A stimulus that attracts or repels behavior.

incentive/hedonistic theories

Theories that propose that behavior is motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.

arousal theories

Theories that propose that behavior is motivated by the desire to maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

A law that states that performance is best when arousal is moderate.

mini theories

Theories that focus on specific aspects of motivation rather than providing a comprehensive explanation.

content theories

Theories that focus on the specific needs and goals that motivate behavior.

process theories

Theories that focus on the cognitive processes that underlie motivation.

Abraham Maslow

A psychologist who proposed a hierarchy of needs to explain human motivation.

hierarchy of needs

Maslow's theory that suggests that humans are motivated to satisfy their needs in a specific order, starting with basic physiological needs and progressing to higher-level needs.

deficiency needs

Needs that arise from a lack or deficiency, such as the need for food, water, and safety.

being needs

Needs that arise from the desire for personal growth and fulfillment, such as the need for self-esteem and self-actualization.

governing behavior

Controlling or influencing behavior.

glucostatic model

A model that proposes that fluctuations in blood glucose levels influence appetite and hunger.

lipostatic model

A model that proposes that the body has a set point for body weight and regulates appetite and metabolism to maintain that set point.

set point theory

The theory that suggests that the body has a genetically determined weight range that it strives to maintain.

eating disorders

Psychological disorders characterized by abnormal eating habits and a distorted body image.

culture

The shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people.

body preferences

The subjective preferences for certain body types or features.

prevalence

The proportion of a population that has a particular condition or characteristic.

ecological factors

Environmental factors that influence behavior, such as the availability of food and resources.

sociocultural factors

Social and cultural factors that influence behavior, such as societal norms and expectations.

BMI

Body Mass Index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

overweight

Having a BMI between 25 and 29.9.

obese

Having a BMI of 30 or higher.

evolutionary perspective

An approach that seeks to explain behavior in terms of its adaptive value for survival and reproduction.

health consequences

The effects of a behavior or condition on physical well-being.

socioeconomic consequences

The effects of a behavior or condition on social and economic status.

psychological consequences

The effects of a behavior or condition on mental and emotional well-being.

genes

Segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.

metabolic rate

The rate at which the body burns calories to maintain basic bodily functions.

starvation

Severe food deprivation.

overeating

Consuming more calories than the body needs.

live a healthier lifestyle

Make choices and engage in behaviors that promote physical and mental well-being.

sex

Biological and physiological characteristics that distinguish males and females.

traditional model

A model of sex that assumes a linear progression from desire to arousal to orgasm.

cyclical model

A model of sex that recognizes the cyclical nature of sexual response in women.

hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including sexual desire.

sexual desire

A strong urge or craving for sexual activity.

sexual orientation

An enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, both genders, or neither gender.

biological determinants

Factors that are influenced by genetics and biology.

congenital adrenal hyperplasia

A genetic disorder that affects the production of hormones, potentially influencing sexual orientation.

androgen insensitivity syndrome

A genetic disorder in which individuals with XY chromosomes are partially or completely insensitive to androgens, potentially influencing sexual orientation.

neuroanatomical differences

Differences in the structure and organization of the brain.

functional differences

Differences in the way the brain processes information and performs tasks.

fraternal birth order

The number of older brothers a male individual has, which has been found to be associated with an increased likelihood of homosexuality.

proximal causes

Immediate causes that directly influence a behavior or condition.

distal causes

Underlying or evolutionary causes that indirectly influence a behavior or condition.

pure social causes

Causes of sexual orientation that are solely influenced by social factors.

supernormal stimulus

An exaggerated or artificial stimulus that elicits an exaggerated response.

need to belong

The fundamental human motive to form and maintain strong, stable relationships with others.

evolutionary reasons

Reasons that can be explained by the process of natural selection and adaptation.

achievement motivation

The desire to accomplish challenging goals and attain a sense of mastery.

flow

A state of complete absorption and enjoyment in an activity.

industrial-organizational psychology

The branch of psychology that applies psychological principles to the workplace.

personnel psychology

The subfield of industrial-organizational psychology that focuses on employee recruitment, selection, and training.

organizational psychology

The subfield of industrial-organizational psychology that focuses on organizational behavior, leadership, and workplace culture.

self-actualization

The process of fulfilling one's potential and becoming the best version of oneself.

self-transcendence

The ability to go beyond oneself and connect with something greater.

meaning

The significance or purpose of something.

life satisfaction

The subjective evaluation of one's overall well-being and happiness.