PSYC 1030H Unit 3. Emotion & Motivation Slides

Emotion & Motivation

  • Emotion

    • Theories of Emotion: Different frameworks that explain how emotions are formed and experienced.

    • Origin of the term "emotion": from the Latin "movere" meaning "to move."

Motivation

  • Definition: Refers to the processes that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behaviors.

  • Sources of Motivation: Factors that influence choices and behaviors, including:

    • Drives

    • Needs

    • Emotions

    • Rewards

    • Desires

    • Interests

    • Values

  • Motivation mechanisms can be both conscious and unconscious, moving individuals towards or away from actions.

  • Perspectives on Motivation:

    • Evolutionary: Focus on basic survival and reproduction (e.g., food, hydration).

    • Biological: Examines physiological aspects influencing motivation (e.g., hunger).

    • Behaviorist: Looks at external stimuli like rewards and punishments.

    • Cognitive: Considers personal and cultural values (e.g., autonomy, self-esteem).

    • Humanistic: Emphasizes personal growth and fulfillment.

Theories of Emotion

  • Theories Discussed:

    1. James-Lange Theory: Emotions are the result of physiological responses to events.

    2. Cannon-Bard Theory: Emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously but independently.

    3. Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory: Emotions are based on physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal of that arousal.

James-Lange Theory

  • Suggests that we experience specific physiological responses and then label emotions accordingly.

  • Example: We feel sad because we cry.

Cannon-Bard Theory

  • Proposes that emotions and physiological reactions occur at the same time but do not influence one another.

Arousal and Valence

  • Emotion experiences vary along:

    • Arousal: High vs. Low

    • Valence: Pleasant vs. Unpleasant

Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

  • Proposes emotions stem from physiological responses and the context in which they occur.

  • Involves an appraisal of the experience and an emotional label derived from it.

Emotion Pathways in the Brain

  • Fast Pathway (via the amygdala): Immediate physiological response to stimuli (the alarm system).

  • Slow Pathway (via the cortex): Involves cognitive processing and appraisal of situations before reacting.

Emotion Regulation Strategies

  • Expressive Suppression: Inhibiting emotional expression.

    • Example: Keeping feelings to oneself.

  • Cognitive Reappraisal: Changing how one thinks about a situation to alter its emotional impact.

    • Example: Reinterpreting stressors to maintain calm.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

  • Core Needs Promoting Intrinsic Motivation:

    • Relatedness: Need to feel connected to others.

    • Autonomy: Need for self-direction and control.

    • Competence: Need to feel effective and capable.

Mindsets and Motivation

  • Dweck’s Mindset Theory: Differentiates between fixed and growth mindsets in relation to intelligence and motivation.

  • Fixed Mindset: Belief that intelligence is static.

  • Growth Mindset: Belief that intelligence can be developed.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

  • Framework describing how human needs are organized hierarchically.

  • Lower-level needs (basic, safety) must be fulfilled before addressing higher-level needs (esteem, self-actualization).

Correlations Between Need Fulfillment and Wellbeing

  • Recent studies suggest positive correlations between the satisfaction of various needs and overall wellbeing.

  • No evidence proving a strict hierarchical order in the pursuit of these needs.