Chapter 9 - Motivation and Emotion

1. Introduction to Psychology

• Lectured by Keithlyn M. Bay, RPm, CHRA, CMoCAR

2. Learning Outcomes

• Understanding Motivation and Emotion: Define nature and scope.

• Role of Motives: Recognize their influence on behavior.

• Theories of Motivation and Emotion: Explore different theories and their relevance to human behavior.

• Physiological and Psychological Aspects: Explain their roles in motivation and emotion.

• Importance in Life: Acknowledge how motivation and emotion impact daily living.

3. Common Motivational Situations

• Examples illustrating diverse motivations:

  • Feeding behaviors of infants.

  • Studying for exams.

  • Searching for food by homeless individuals.

  • Research pursuits in science.

  • Sexual behaviors in relationships.

  • Extreme challenges like climbing mountains.

4. Definition of Motivation

• Dynamics of Behavior: Initiates, sustains, directs, and terminates actions.

• Goal Orientation: An energetic drive toward accomplishing tasks.

5. Characteristics of Motivation

• Activation: Initiating behavior.

• Persistence: Determined efforts towards a goal.

• Intensity: Increased vigor in motivated behaviors.

6. Components of Motivation

• Needs: States of deficiency prompting drives (bodily needs).

• Drives: Perceived tension when a need is unmet, generating urges to relieve it.

• Incentives: External factors that motivate behaviors.

7. Models of Motivation

7.1 Drive Reduction Model

• Primary focus: Restore balance or homeostasis when physiological systems are out of equilibrium.

7.2 Optimal Arousal Model

• Performance peaks occur at moderate arousal levels.

7.3 Evolutionary Model

• Survival and reproduction as biological imperatives shaped by evolutionary pressures.

7.4 Hierarchical Model (Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs)

• Higher needs can only be pursued once lower-level needs are met.

8. Hunger and Eating Behavior

8.1 Biological Aspects

• Internal signals govern hunger based on recent food intake and energy availability.

• Four components driving hunger:

  • The stomach's signals.

  • Blood nutrient levels.

  • Brain's processing of signals.

  • Hormonal influences.

8.2 Psychological Aspects

• Food preferences shaped by evolutionary needs and cultural influences.

9. Eating Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa: Extreme fear of weight gain leading to food restriction.

• Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting).

10. Sexual Behavior

• Human Sexual Response: Actions leading to arousal and orgasm.

• Cultural Influence: Norms around sexual behavior vary across cultures:

  • Restrictive societies impose tight regulations.

  • Semi-restrictive may not vigorously enforce norms.

  • Permissive societies have minimal restrictions.

11. Social Needs

11.1 Need to Belong (Affiliation)

• Humans are inherently social; acceptance and friendships are vital.

• Need to belong is significant in shaping human motivations.

11.2 Need to Excel (Achievement)

• Defined by motivation to succeed and overcome challenges.

12. Motivation in the Workplace

• Extrinsic Motivation: External rewards for performance.

• Intrinsic Motivation: Internal satisfaction derived from tasks.

• Perceived Organizational Support: Employees' feelings of being valued by their organization.

13. Understanding Emotions

• Definition: Brief changes in conscious experiences in response to meaningful situations.

14. Types of Affect

• Emotions: Dominant and impactful in perception, memory, attention, decision-making.

• Moods: Longer-lasting emotional states varying over time.

• Affective Traits: Stable personality characteristics influencing emotional responses.

15. Basic Emotions

• Common emotions experienced universally:

  • Anger

  • Disgust

  • Fear

  • Happiness

  • Sadness

  • Surprise

16. Theories of Emotion

16.1 James-Lange Theory

• Emotions arise from physiological responses to stimuli.

16.2 Cannon-Bard Theory

• Critiques James-Lange; claims physiological responses and emotions occur simultaneously.

16.3 Two-Factor Theory

• Interaction of biological arousal and cognitive labeling enhances emotional experience.

17. Emotion and the Brain

• Amygdala: Processes emotional significance and fear.

• Prefrontal Cortex: Involved in emotional regulation and decision-making.

• Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Active during emotional appraisal, physical pain, and social rejection.

• Hypothalamus: Central to pleasure and reward processing.

• Insula: Perception of bodily sensations influencing emotions.

18. Emotional Intelligence

• Defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions in oneself and others.

• Critical for overall life success and interpersonal relationships.

19. Summary

• Psychology of Motivation: Explains why people act as they do, encompassing needs, drives, and behavior.

• Emotions: Transient responses to significant events; interplay between emotion and cognition is crucial.

• Flourishing individuals derive more meaning from intrinsic motivation and emotional experiences.