PSY150Lecture-Motivation-Ch10-OER-FA23rev

Overview

Course: PSY 150 - General PsychologyInstitution: Tech Community CollegeSections Covered: Motivation (10.1 - 10.3)

Overview of Content

Motivation is influenced by various theories, including instincts, drives, optimal levels of arousal, self-efficacy, and the satisfaction of needs. Factors influencing hunger and eating behavior include both physiological and environmental aspects. In terms of sexual behavior, it's important to differentiate between sex (biological) and gender (social constructs). Other key elements include physiological factors affecting sexual behavior, sexuality research, the human sexual response cycle, and dimensions of sexual orientation and gender identity.

What is Motivation?

Motivation is defined as the force that influences wants and needs, activating, directing, and sustaining behavior towards achieving goals. Personal reflection on motivation can highlight individual needs and desires.

Motivation Example - Aron Ralston

The case of Aron Ralston exemplifies extreme motivation, as he resorted to amputation to survive after being trapped in Utah. His motivations included an adventurous spirit, a strong desire to survive, and emotional connections to friends and family.

Key Motivation Theories

Several key theories explain motivation: instinct theory proposes that behavior is driven by innate instincts that assist survival; drive reduction theory explains that drives create states of arousal prompting actions to reduce tension; the optimal level of arousal theory links motivation to maintaining ideal physiological arousal; and incentive theory posits that motivation is derived from pursuing external goals. Intrinsic motivation arises from internal satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards. However, the overjustification effect can reduce intrinsic motivation when external rewards are offered.

Needs and Motivation

Behaviors are engaged in to fulfill biological or social needs, following Maslow's hierarchy of needs which prioritizes the fulfillment of basic physiological needs before higher-level needs such as achievement and intimacy. The motivation for affiliation and intimacy is essential for emotional well-being, while achievement needs describe the drive to fulfill high standards, correlating positively with academic success. Self-efficacy, a concept emphasized by Albert Bandura, illustrates how belief in one’s ability to complete tasks impacts motivation.

Hunger & Eating Behavior

Hunger is influenced by biological and environmental factors, and functions to restore homeostasis by motivating eating behavior based on internal deficiency states. Myths surrounding hunger, such as the belief that stomach contractions cause it, have been debunked. Hunger is controlled through brain signals that dictate when and how much we eat, regulated by blood glucose levels, brain signals—primarily from the hypothalamus—and hormonal influences like insulin, leptin, and ghrelin. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role: the lateral hypothalamus prompts hunger while the ventromedial hypothalamus signals fullness. Set Point Theory suggests a genetic determination of ideal body weight, which is resistant to significant changes. Environmental factors such as food palatability, quantity, variety, and social contexts also significantly impact eating behavior. Cultural influences shape eating habits and connect cultural identity to food practices.

Sexual Behavior Motivation

Biological and environmental factors influence sexual behavior. Biological aspects of sex include chromosomes, hormones, and primary and secondary sex characteristics. The hypothalamus impacts sexual drive, and disruption of its functions may affect sexual motivation. The amygdala plays a role in both sexual behavior motivation and emotional attachment. Masters and Johnson’s research established the human sexual response cycle, illustrating physiological responses during sexual activity, which includes the phases of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Kinsey’s research challenged stigmas and illuminated the complexity of sexual behavior, revealing fluidity in gender interest and sexual orientation.

Sexual Identity Components

Sexual identity consists of various components, including definitions of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. LGBTQ+ identities encompass a variety of identities, highlighting the importance of societal inclusivity, while trends indicate an increase in self-identifying LGBTQ individuals among younger generations. Gender identity issues discuss the alignment of gender identity with biological sex and encompass topics like gender diversity in cultures and the mental health outcomes associated with gender-affirming surgeries, which are linked to improved mental health.