Approach _ Avoidance Motivation_default_c30d44db 2

Approach and Avoidance Motivation

• Motivation is essential in energizing goal-directed behaviors.

• Individuals are motivated towards pleasurable pursuits and away from pain or punishment.

• This motivation is influenced by two distinct neural systems:

  • Behavioral Activation System (BAS)

    • Primed by potential rewards and positive need gratification.

    • Involved in the left prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and self-regulation.

    • Activates desire and anticipation for positive outcomes (e.g., achieving high grades, winning prizes).

    • Energizes approach behaviors to attain goals.

  • Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS)

    • Responds to signals of potential pain or the absence of rewards (non-reinforcement).

    • Located in the limbic system, specifically the right frontal lobe.

    • Results in feelings of aversion, fear, and depression.

    • Energizes avoidance behaviors to prevent negative outcomes.

Balancing Activation and Inhibition

• Both BAS and BIS operate concurrently, requiring individuals to balance their motivational tendencies.

• The interplay between these systems can lead to motivational conflict.

Types of Motivational Conflict

• Motivational goals can conflict in various ways, producing three main types of conflict:

  • Approach-Approach Conflict

    • Occurs when choosing between two attractive alternatives.

    • Example: Deciding between two potential romantic partners during early dating.

  • Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict

    • Choosing between two undesirable options.

    • Example: Facing the choice of either engaging in boring study material or risking failing a course.

  • Approach-Avoidance Conflict

    • The most interesting form of conflict, where one is attracted to and repelled by the same goal.

    • Example: Desire for a relationship juxtaposed with fear of rejection.

    • As individuals get closer to achieving a goal, avoidance tendencies can grow stronger faster than approach tendencies.

The Dynamics of Approach and Avoidance

• As one gets closer to a goal, the conflicting feelings intensify, leading to a cycle of motivation:

  • Initial enthusiasm about a goal can shift to anxiety and avoidance behavior as it approaches.

  • Example Scenario:

    • Initially attracted to someone in class, planning to ask them out, leading to approach behaviors (scripting, planning).

    • As the moment approaches, avoidance tendencies increase (fear of rejection, overthinking).

    • This culminates in potential avoidance of the goal (sitting away from the target, deciding not to act).

• Post-event reflection can lead to renewed approach strategies to overcome future aversion, focusing on positive behaviors to achieve desired outcomes.