Motivation Psychology: Theories of
Motivation
In the school of motivation psychology, there are five major
distinct theories of motivation – instinct theory, drive
reduction theory, arousal theory, psychoanalytic theory, and
humanistic theory. These theories explain where the drive of
motivation comes from in raw, psychological terms. Another
useful tool in motivation psychology is the Hierarchy of Needs.
This is a list of basic needs that every human strives for.
Each need must be obtained in sequential order for the human to
be successful.
Instinct Theory
The first motivation psychology theory is instinct. This theory
describes the biological innate knowledge of how to do
something, and the drive to perform the act in order to
survive. An example of instinct theory is a spider having the
knowledge and instinct to create a web to catch prey, a bird
using twigs and stray materials to build a nest, and
reproduction. This motivation is in the person or animal’s
genes and are not learned behavior. We simply know we need to
do something to survive, and the motivation to do it
follows.
Drive Reduction Theory
This theory of motivation psychology involves quieting a rising
drive within. When the drive, or need, to do something is great
enough, you want to perform an activity to reduce the drive and
return to normalcy. An example of this theory is hunger. When
hunger grows great enough, you are motivated to eat to calm the
drive.
Arousal Theory
Arousal theory is the theory of motivation psychology that
refers to physical, intellectual, and emotional activity. While
the drive reduction theory urges you to calm a rising drive,
the arousal theory urges you to maintain a balanced amount of
comfort. Examples of this theory are the urges to learn, watch
emotional movies, or go for a walk.
Psychoanalytic Theory
This theory of motivation psychology describes motivation in
terms of survival and well-being. Individuals are driven by the
need to survive and stay safe. Examples of this theory are
motivation to save money, drive a safe car, and secure your
home.
Humanistic Theory
This theory is usually the most well-known theory of motivation
psychology. Individuals are motivated to achieve maximum
potential, and will do so unless obstacles keep them from doing
so. Obstacles may include safety issues, money, or hunger. This
theory of motivation psychology is sometimes referred to as the
Hierarchy of Needs (see below).
Hierarchy of Needs
The Hierarchy of Needs is perhaps the most simplistic
explanation of human motivation psychology. This theory
outlines the five basic human needs, and states that each level
must be obtained in order from simple to complex. The most
basic need is physiological needs. This includes items needed
for physical human survival, such as food, water, shelter, and
oxygen. The second need is safety and security. The need to
feel secure and be secure is an important part of motivation
psychology. The third need is love, acceptance, and belonging.
The need to feel love and be part of a group is a basic human
need. The fourth need is esteem. This includes the need to
achieve, learn, and gain the respect of others. The fifth, and
last, need is the need to realize your fullest potential, or
self actualization.
This model was developed by Abraham Maslow in the 1943.
According to Maslow’s rules, the first level, physiological
needs, must be obtained before the individual can achieve the
second need, safety and security. This standard continues
throughout the five needs. The Hierarchy of Needs is often
illustrated as a pyramid, with the first basic need at the
bottom, and the fifth need at the top. This pyramid is a
well-recognized and widely used tool in motivation
psychology.
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