1. Unit 8A (Emotion is part 8B)
Motivation
Unit 8A
(Emotion is part 8B)

2. Intro
Motivation – need or desire that propels a behavior toward a goal
Case study: Aron Ralston. Why?...
…human will to live, to keep going.
4 ways psychologists approach motivation…
Instinct theory – genetics, evolutionary approach
Drive-reduction theory – inner & external motivations
Arousal theory – stimulation, alertness
Hierarchy of needs – Abraham Maslow’s triangle

4. Instinct theory Based on Darwin’s evolutionary theory of 150 years ago
Supposedly, there’s an instinct for everything
Instinct – complex behavior in a species that is unlearned
Ex.: salmon swimming upstream; bird building a nest
People have instincts, but seem less obvious than animals

5. Drive reduction theory
A. L. Washburn and his crazy stomach experiment
He swallowed a balloon, inflated it, recorded when he felt hunger. Conclusion…
…stomach contractions cause hunger feelings. Your body matters.
Brain
Hypothalamus has “hunger controls”
Electric shock I’m hungry!
Gives out orexin hormone  I’m hungry!
Lower-mid hypothalamus is “hunger-off switch” (on=not hungry)

7. Drive reduction (cont.)
Hormones - ILOOP
Insulin – regulates blood sugar
Leptin – causes brain to change metabolism
Orexin – hypothalamus – I’m hungry!
Obestatin – stomach – I’m full!
PYY – intestines – I’m full!
Balance
Set point – your body’s natural weight
Eating matters
Exercise matters
BMR – basal metabolic rate – how we burn energy while at rest
Semi-starved people – drop ¼ of wt., then level off at 75% BMR

8. Drive reduction (cont.)
Psychology of hunger…
If people eat but don’t remember…
20 minute amnesia – they’ll eat again!
In a group?
Depressed?
More with group or depressed.
Cravings?
Fatty and salty foods (genetics? Culture?)
Portion size matters – smaller plates & utensils

9. Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa Binge-and-purge ½ the time
Person is unable to see they’re skinny
Women, ¾ of the time
Upper-middle class
Bulimia nervosa
Binge-and-purge
Person usually has a more normal weight (hard to recognize)
Binge eating disorder
Binge eats buts does not purge
All: often followed by depression, guilt

11. Cont. Why? Culture Africa – larger is attractive
Western nations – skinny is attractive
History
Bigger meant health/$/babies. Today, obesity is seen as bad.
Gender
Women can be more critical of themselves (?)
Barbie factor…
…Expectations

13. Cont.
Risks of obesity
Heart problems, diabetes, BP, gall stones, arthritis, some cancer, Alzheimer’s in women, shame.
U.S. – highest obesity rate in world
Physiology
Fat cells are like balloons, but also divide.
This makes it hard to keep the weight off.
Just not eating…body adjusts BMR.
Genetics
“Fidgetiness”avoiding obesity. Sitting still obesity
ID twins weight correlates at .74 (high)
Obese parents? Boys 3X likely, girls 6X likely to be obese

16. Cont. Environment Lack of sleep increases chance of obesity
Fast food, cooking in oil, sugar, TV time (2 hrs. 23% increased chance)
Amish – low obesity rates (1 out of 9)
Tips to avoid obesity
Eat moderately
Set reasonable goals (10% over 6 months)
Eat right & exercise