4.1 Sources of Motivation

Motivation

is a process that influences the direction, persistence, and vigour of goal directed behaviour

motivation can come from four sources

physiological, cognitive, emotional, social

physiological sources of motivation include

Our body maintains a stable internal state called homeostasis. When this balance is disrupted, such as when we get hot, the body responds by adjusting processes like sweating to restore balance.

These disruptions create drives, or internal tensions, that motivate behavior to reduce discomfort. For instance, feeling hot may drive us to cool down by removing clothing or drinking cold water. Common drives include hunger, thirst, and sleep.

emotional sources of motivation

Emotions are feelings that involve cognitive, physiological, and behavioural responses. They are closely linked to motivation, as we often react emotionally when our goals are achieved or threatened. Emotions serve an adaptive function, shaping our behaviour, keep us safe, engage in intimate relationships and help us communicate. We are generally motivated to pursue positive emotions and avoid negative ones.

cognitive sources of motivation

Cognitive patterns influence motivation through our beliefs, evaluations, and expectations about outcomes. Incentives, external rewards or punishments, motivate us based on how much we value the goal and whether we believe our actions will achieve it. Self-efficacy is the belief in our capacity to execute behaviour’s necessary to meet demands of given task. It is determined by experiences of mastery, observing models, reinforcement, and favorable emotional states. The greater ones self efficacy, the greater our belief we can complete it successfully in the future, therefore, higher levels of motivation.

social sources of motivation

we are motivate because of our interactions with those around us. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, social needs like belonging, acceptance, and recognition must be met to reach our full potential. Cultural factors also shape motivation, especially in areas like body image, sexuality, and academic achievement. As social beings we are driven to affiliate with social groups for stimulation, social and emotional support, and the formation of social identity, we are also motivated by feedback, social comparison, family and cultural norms