Motivation 2 (Chapter 12) Sexual desire Achievement motivation Conflict in needs

What is the basis of interpersonal attraction?

Physiology of sexual response Sex drive related to testosterone levels, but not completely accounted for by this Sexual arousal can occur to a range of emotions Human sexuality examined in 1950s, 1960s by surveys of Kinsey, Masters & Johnson Psychophysiology of arousal and orgasm between men and women actually quite similar Culture, sexual scripts, sexual orientation, sexual history all builds upon basic physiology

Motivations for sex (+/-!!) Enhancement: Feels good emotionally and physically Intimacy: To feel emotionally close to someone Coping: To deal with negative emotions Self-affirmation: To feel wanted, attractive Partner’s approval: Because someone wanted you to, avoid rejection Peer approval: To tell your friends, be part of the crowd Sexual coercion and aggression: For dominance, power, social status, punishment

Development of sexuality No evidence that environment, parenting, plays a role Biological factors have been examined –Genetics, prenatal exposure to androgens Considerable impact of culture on sexuality Sexuality across the lifespan Sexuality and science confounded with moral questions (e.g., “Thou shalt not”), politics (e.g., legal recognition for same sex couples), prejudice, and culture

Basic human needs Physiological needs are reflected in personality McClelland: Need for achievement –Thematic Apperception Test Abraham Maslow: Needs for affiliation, power, and achievement –Needs form a hierarchy Motivation related to intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, e.g., getting an “A”

Motivation Needs and Opportunity You may have a high need for achievement –Reflected in work, education Do you have the skills to achieve? Do you have the opportunity to achieve? If not, motivation can decrease, frustration can arise If you do, success becomes reinforcing, satisfaction in achievements results

Motives conflict Approach-Approach conflicts –Two people you like ask you out –Two menu items are equally enticing Avoidance-Avoidance conflicts –What will it be: laundry or studying? –Two bad movies Approach-Avoidance –Someone you like asks you do something you hate –You want more pizza but feel stuffed Multiple conflicts –Many competing approach and avoidant issues –Go home for weekend: like parents, like food, hate brother, like dog, can’t do schoolwork +/-, miss something here, miss something there, sick grandparent

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Physiological needs Safety and security needs Belonginess and love Esteem needs Need for self actualization Progression if lower needs are satisfied, regression if they are not Student in a crisis: Are you alive? Are you safe? Do you have some friends to talk to? Are you feeling okay? Have you learned anything from the crisis?