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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