Psychology Unit Psychodynamic Theories Part 2

Motivation

The process that initiates

Drive-reduction Theory of Motivation

A theory stating that motivation arises from biological needs that create drives

Need

A physiological or psychological requirement essential for survival or well-being. *Example: The need for food

Drive

An internal state of tension that motivates an organism to satisfy a need. Example: Hunger driving a person to eat.

Homeostasis

The body's tendency to maintain a balanced internal state. Example: Sweating to cool down when overheated.

Arousal Theory of Motivation

A theory stating that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal. Example: Seeking excitement through skydiving or avoiding stress by meditating.

Yerkes-Dodson law

The principle that performance improves with arousal to a certain point

Self-determination Theory of Motivation

A theory that emphasizes the role of autonomy

Intrinsic motivation

Engaging in a behavior for its own sake and personal satisfaction. *Example: Painting because you love art

Extrinsic motivation

Engaging in a behavior to earn rewards or avoid punishment. Example: Studying to get a good grade rather than for interest in the subject.

Incentives

External rewards or punishments that motivate behavior. Example: Receiving a bonus for meeting work targets.

Instinct theory of Motivation

A theory that suggests motivation is driven by innate biological instincts. Example: A baby automatically sucking on a bottle when hungry.

Sensation-Seeking Theory of Motivation

The idea that people seek varying levels of excitement and novel experiences. Example: Some people enjoy bungee jumping while others prefer calmer activities.

Thrill- or adventure-seeking

The desire for physically risky experiences. Example: Skydiving or rock climbing for excitement.

Experience-seeking

The drive to explore new activities and cultures. Example: Traveling to different countries to try new foods and traditions.

Disinhibition

The tendency to seek social stimulation and engage in uninhibited behaviors. Example: Partying all night in new social settings.

Boredom susceptibility

The tendency to feel restless and seek stimulation when understimulated. Example: Constantly checking your phone when there’s nothing exciting happening.

Motivational Conflicts Theory

A theory describing how different competing motives influence decision-making. Example: Choosing between two appealing but exclusive options.

Approach-Approach

A conflict between two desirable choices. Example: Choosing between two great job offers.

Avoidance-Avoidance

A conflict between two undesirable choices. Example: Deciding whether to do a boring assignment or a difficult math test.

Approach-Avoidance

A conflict where one option has both positive and negative aspects. Example: Accepting a high-paying job that requires long hours.

Double Approach-Avoidance

A conflict where there are two choices

Satiety

The feeling of fullness that stops hunger. Example: Feeling full after a large meal and refusing dessert.

Hunger

The physiological and psychological state that signals the need for food. Example: A growling stomach reminding you to eat lunch.

Ghrelin

A hormone that signals hunger to the brain. Example: Increased ghrelin levels before a meal make you feel hungry.

Leptin

A hormone that signals satiety and reduces hunger. Example: Higher leptin levels after eating help regulate body weight.

Hypothalamus

A brain structure that regulates hunger

Pituitary gland

The endocrine gland that regulates hormones

External eating cues

Environmental factors that influence eating behavior. Example: Smelling fresh-baked cookies and suddenly feeling hungry.

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Emotion

A complex psychological state involving physiological arousal

Affect (Emotion)

The outward expression of emotion. Example: Smiling when happy or frowning when sad.

External factor

A stimulus in the environment that influences emotions. Example: A surprise birthday party triggering happiness.

Internal factor

A personal thought or memory that influences emotions. Example: Remembering a past failure and feeling embarrassed.

Physiological response

The body’s reaction to an emotion

Cognitive appraisal

The interpretation of an event that influences emotional response. Example: Viewing a challenge as an opportunity rather than a threat affects stress levels.

Cognitive labeling

Assigning an emotion to a physiological response. Example: Feeling your heart race and labeling it as excitement before a big event.

Facial feedback hypothesis

The idea that facial expressions influence emotions. Example: Smiling can make you feel happier.

Broaden-and-Build-Theory of Emotion

A theory suggesting that positive emotions expand thinking and build resources for the future. Example: Happiness leading to creative problem-solving and social bonding.

Display rules

Cultural norms that dictate how emotions should be expressed. *Example: In some cultures

Elicitors

Triggers that provoke emotional responses. Example: Watching a sad movie scene causing tears.