Untitled Flashcards Set

motivation

A need or desire that energizes and directs behavior.

homeostasis

A tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state; the regulation of any aspect of body chemistry.

incentive theory

A theory of motivation stating that behavior is directed toward attaining desirable stimuli and avoiding unwanted stimuli.

drive-reduction theory

The idea that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.

arousal theory

Theory of motivation in which people seek to maintain an optimal level of tension by increasing or decreasing stimulation.

sensation-seeking theory

A theory that proposes that one's level of need for varied or novel experiences is the basis of motivation.

self-determination theory

A theory of motivation concerned with the beneficial effects of intrinsic motivation and the harmful effects of extrinsic motivation.

intrinsic motivation

A desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake.

extrinsic motivation

A desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment.

instincts

Innate tendencies that determine behavior.

approach-approach conflict

Conflict that results from having to choose between two attractive alternatives.

approach-avoidance conflict

Conflict occurring when a person must choose or not choose a goal that has both positive and negative aspects.

avoidance-avoidance conflict

Conflict that results from having to choose between two distasteful alternatives.

hormones

Chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues.

oxytocin

A hormone released by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

ghrelin

A hunger-arousing hormone secreted by an empty stomach.

leptin

A hormone produced by adipose (fat) cells that acts as a satiety factor in regulating appetite.

hypothalamus

A neural structure that directs several maintenance activities and helps govern the endocrine system.

emotion

A response of the whole organism involving physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience.

facial expressions

Facial gestures that convey emotions and attitudes.

cognitive appraisal

The interpretation of an event that helps determine its stress impact.

stress

The reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands.

eustress

Positive stress.

distress

Negative stress.

yerkes-dodson law

The principle that performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases.

general adaptation syndrome

Seyle's concept that the body responds to stress with alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

fight-flight-freeze response

An involuntary, physical response to a sudden and immediate threat.

problem-focused coping

Attempting to alleviate stress directly by changing the stressor or the way we interact with that stressor.

emotion-focused coping

Attempting to alleviate stress by avoiding or ignoring a stressor and attending to emotional needs.

learned helplessness

The hopelessness that an individual learns when unable to avoid repeated aversive events.

internal locus of control

The perception that you control your own fate.

positive psychology

The scientific study of optimal human functioning, promoting strengths and virtues.

resilience

The personal strength that helps most people cope with stress and recover from adversity.

subjective well-being

Self-perceived happiness or satisfaction with life.

gratitude

Thankfulness.

signature strengths

Positive traits that a person owns, celebrates, and frequently exercises.

virtues

Firm attitudes and stable dispositions that guide conduct according to reason and faith.

posttraumatic growth

Positive psychological changes resulting from struggling with extremely challenging circumstances.