Motivation & Emotion 13.1 & 13.2

The Psychology of Motivation Motivations can be analyzed as needs and drives. Psychologists have developed several different theories of motivation, including instinct theory, drive-reduction theory, humanistic theory, and sociocultural theory.

Motivation Motivation answers why people do the things they do. A motive is a stimulus that moves a person to behave in ways designed to accomplish a specific goal. Needs Need: a condition in which we require something we lack Biological needs: filled to survive; oxygen, food, sleep Psychological needs: not necessarily based on deprivation and can be learned; achievement, self-esteem Drives Needs give rise to drives: forces that motivate an organism to take action Biological need for water gives rise to the thirst drive Biological drives are experienced as psychological

Theories of Motivation Instinct Theory Instinct: behavior patterns genetically transmitted from generation to generation Also called “fixed-action patterns” Not all animal behavior is purely instinctive, some is learned. Psychologists once believed all human action was instinctual, but today most do not. Drive-reduction Theory People and animals experience a drive arising for a need as an unpleasant tension. They learn to do whatever will reduce that tension, such as eating to reduce the hunger drive. Homeostasis: tendency to maintain an internal state of equilibrium Drive-reduction theory does not explain all motivation.

Theories of Motivation, cont’d Humanistic Theory Humanists argue that humans are also motivated by the conscious desire for personal growth and artistic fulfillment. In fact, they may outweigh our drive to meet more basic needs. Self-actualization: the need to become what one believes he or she is capable of being Maslow believed that striving to become or do something meaningful is as essential to human well-being as food. He created a hierarchy of needs, from basic physiological to self-actualization. Critics argue the hierarchy does not apply to everyone. Sociocultural Theory Even if basic drives such as hunger are inborn, cultural experiences and factors influence the behavior that people use to satisfy those drives.

Biological needs: focus on hunger 13.2

Why do people keep eating junk food?

The hunger drive Biological needs are based mainly on body tissue needs, such as the needs for food, water, air, temperature regulation, and pain avoidance. They can be complex because they also involve psychological factors.

The hunger drive, cont’d The Role of the Mouth The acts of chewing and swallowing provide certain sensations that help satisfy the hunger drive. The hunger drive is usually fully satisfied when the body digests food. The Role of the Stomach It was once believed that hunger pangs were the cause of hunger. Now researchers know that hunger pangs play a role in hunger but are not the main factor in signaling hunger.

The hunger drive, cont’d The Hypothalamus The level of sugar in the blood and the hypothalamus are key influences on feelings of hunger. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that regulates body temperature and various aspects of psychological motivation and emotion. Different parts of the hypothalamus control the urge to begin eating and to stop eating. Psychological Influences In human beings, psychological as well as biological factors affect feelings of hunger. Learning that certain amounts of food or drink will produce a feeling of well-being and relaxation can cause people to eat and drink when they feel upset. (Are YOU a stress eater?)

obesity More than 6 out of 10 adult Americans are overweight, while 3 out of 10 are obese: weighing more than 30 percent greater than their recommended weight. Obese people suffer more illnesses than non-obese, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gall bladder disease, gout, respiratory problems, and certain kinds of cancer. Weight control is often elusive for most obese people.

Causes of obesity It seems to run in families, but is not necessarily inherited. Certain genes may prevent the message of having eaten enough to reach the brain. Genes also determine how many fat cells a person has. Genes determine metabolic rate. Psychological factors such as stress and personal circumstances such as family gathering can increase food intake.

Losing weight Psychologists and other professionals have worked to devise strategies for weight loss. Not everyone should lose weight. A sound diet is one that is sensible, realistic, and well planned. Eating foods that are low in fat sets a good precedent for a lifetime of healthful eating. Nutritional information is important. Exercising helps burn calories and increase metabolism.

Keeping weight off Many people who lose weight struggle not to regain weight. Maintaining a new, more healthy weight requires ongoing work. An increase in self-esteem and the adoption of a new, life- long approach to eating and exercising are important factors in keeping weight off.