the psychology of motivation

The Psychology of Motivation

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Motivation plays a major role in the success of an individual.

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Psychological professionals have developed a number of theories in an effort to better understand the psychology of motivation.

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To date, there are five chief theories of motivation

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The first theory of motivation is Humanistic Theory, which suggests that human beings are able to achieve anything that they want, unless obstacles should get in the way.

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Financial problems, illness and lack of education are examples of obstacles that may hamper a person’s ability to be successful.

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This theory is best explained by Abraham Maslow’s pyramid of needs.

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Second theory is the Psychoanalytic Theory, which suggests that human beings are motivated by two things: the need to survive and the need to avoid destruction.

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Individuals may pursue higher education in order to make more money so that they will be able to have better health care, avoid financial problems and meet all of their needs.

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The third theory of motivation is the Drive Reduction Theory, which suggests that human beings are motivated by the forces that drive them.

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For example, hunger is a driving force that causes human beings to search for food.

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In order to maintain a state of stability and calmness, certain drives must be reduced such as competitiveness and greed.

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The fourth one is Arousal Theory where a certain amount of arousal is needed in order for human beings to remain comfortable.

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Because human beings want to feel comfortable, they have a level of tension that drives them to accomplish this state-of-being.

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The fifth and final theory, Instinct Theory of motivation, suggests that there are certain behaviors that are based on a person’s will to survive.

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Examples of instinctual motivation include avoiding temperatures that are too hot or too cold, searching for food and finding shelter.

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These theories provide an understanding of the psychology of motivation and also provide an in-depth understanding of certain aspects of human behavior.

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