Understanding Motivation and Emotions: Driving Forces in Human Behavior

1. Motivation and EmotionsChapter 13

2. Motivation- feelings that make us do the things we do • Emotion- states of feeling • Motive- stimulus that moves a person to behave in ways to accomplish a goal • Need- condition in which we require something we lack • Biological needs include food, oxygen, and water • Self esteem- sense of belonging, and social approval are psychological needs • Drives- a force that motivates a person to take action

3. Theories of Motivation Instinct Theory • Instincts- patterns that are transmitted from generation to generation Drive Reduction Theory- drive arises from a need as an unpleasant tension • You do whatever to reduce the tension • Homeostasis- state of comfort Critics argue does not apply to everyone

4. Theories of Motivation Humanistic Theory- motivated by a desire for personal growth and artistic fulfillment. • Abraham Maslow believed people were willing to tolerate pain or hunger to achieve goals of self-actualization • Self Actualization-to become what one believes he or she can be. Many people seek self actualization through work, hobbies, music or art. • Critics argue theory doesn’t apply to everyone • Is it lack of interest or facing overwhelming obstacles. Socio-Cultural Theory- Culture experiences shapes people in motivation and drives

5. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

6. Biological Motivation • Body Tissue Needs- food, water, air, temperature, and pain avoidance • Hunger drive- chewing and swallowing reduce the hunger drive • The drive is satisfied when the food is digested • That takes time (It is wise to stop eating before you feel full) • Hypothalamus tells body to start eating and when to stop • Other influences on eating we usually eat more when you are with other people. Eating as a stress reduces (Relaxes body)

7. Obesity- weighing more than 30 percent above ones recommended weight. • More likely to come down with illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems and certain types of cancer • Also tend to be less popular and less successful

8. Psychological Needs • Reduce tension • Or increase stimulation • Stimulus motives- desire for stimulation including sensory stimulation, activity, exploration and manipulation of the environment • Survival value-change your environment to survive • Identify potential dangers • Some people need more stimulation than others • Is it nature or nurture?

9. Achievement Motivation • Driven to get ahead, take on new challenges, meet high personal standards • Performance goals- specific goals or rewards, earning approval or avoidance of criticism • Extrinsic rewards- good grades, good income, or respect • Learning goals- learning to have a better understanding • Intrinsic rewards- self satisfaction • Comes from culture and upbringing, attitudes toward achievement

10. Emotions • Emotional states of feelings influence thoughts and behaviors • How emotions develop in people and how they effect our lives remains unanswered • State of happiness affects everything a person does • World seems safer, makes decisions faster, has greater satisfaction with their lives • We feel good the world looks good. When we feel low, nothing seems to go right • Happier people are more likely to help others

11. Anger • Makes a person seem out of control. • Discussing anger and expressing unhappiness eases the unpleasant feelings. • Emotions determine how we should react to different situations