Motivation and Emotion Theories Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the theories of motivation and emotion.

Motivation

The process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.

Instinct Theory

A theory of motivation proposing that behavior is driven by innate biological instincts.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A psychological theory that categorizes human needs into a five-tier model, often depicted as a pyramid.

Intrinsic Motivation

The desire to perform a behavior for its own sake and the personal satisfaction it brings.

Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation that comes from external factors, such as rewards or avoidance of negative outcomes.

Arousal Theory

The theory that states optimal levels of arousal can motivate behavior.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

An empirical relationship between arousal and performance, suggesting that performance increases with arousal only up to a point.

Homeostasis

The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to conditions optimal for survival.

Eating Disorders

Mental health conditions that involve unhealthy eating behaviors, such as anorexia and bulimia.

Obesity

A medical condition characterized by excess body fat that increases health risks.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

A theory that suggests emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events.

Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

A theory proposing that emotion and physiological reactions occur simultaneously.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

The idea that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.

Broaden and Build Theory

The hypothesis that positive emotions broaden an individual's awareness and encourage novel, varied, and exploratory thoughts and actions.

General Adaptation Syndrome

Selye's model describing the body's response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Psychoneuroimmunology

The study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems.

Tend-and-Befriend Response

A behavioral response to stress, particularly in women, characterized by seeking social support.