Overview

Motivation and emotion are central forces that drive behavior and influence thought. Motivation explains why we initiate, persist in, or stop a behavior, while emotion reflects our responses to significant internal or external events. These systems are both biological and psychological, deeply interconnected with learning, cognition, and physiology.

Key Themes and Concepts

• Biological Bases of Motivation: Drives like hunger, thirst, sex, and pain are regulated by the hypothalamus and endocrine system. Homeostasis maintains internal balance.
• Theories of Motivation:
  • Drive-Reduction Theory: Behavior motivated by the desire to reduce internal tension.
  • Arousal Theory: People seek optimal levels of stimulation.
  • Maslow’s Hierarchy: Motivation progresses from basic needs to self-actualization.
  • Self-Determination Theory: Emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness as keys to intrinsic motivation.
• Social and Psychological Motivators: Includes affiliation, achievement, power, and extrinsic vs. intrinsic rewards.
• Theories of Emotion:
  • James-Lange: Emotion is a result of physiological arousal.
  • Cannon-Bard: Arousal and emotion occur simultaneously.
  • Schachter-Singer (Two-Factor): Emotion depends on both arousal and cognitive interpretation.
• Biological Aspects of Emotion: The amygdala plays a key role in fear and emotional learning. The autonomic nervous system triggers physiological responses.
• Stress and Coping: Chronic stress impacts health; coping strategies include problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches.

Quick Tip

Motivation is what gets you going; emotion is how you feel along the way. Biological drives push us toward survival behaviors, while social motivators steer goal-setting and self-worth. Theories of emotion help explain why we don’t just react physically, but also interpret and label our experiences. Stress and emotion are linked — understanding both can lead to healthier coping and better emotional regulation.