Motivation is the driving force behind our decisions and actions. In psychology, various theories explain how we are motivated.

Abraham Harold Maslow presented his theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a progression of needs. Starting with basic physiological needs – air, water, food, shelter, sleep, and clothing – then safety needs – personal security, employment, resources, health, and property. Once these needs are met, people seek love and belonging, which can be found in relationships with family, friends, or other social connections. When these are fulfilled, people strive for esteem, respect, recognition, and status. Ultimately, people reach self-actualization, the desire to realize full potential and become the most that one can be.

Clark Hull’s Drive reduction theory states that people are motivated to take action when there is a “drive” to reduce. For example, when people feel thirsty, they feel the motivation to drink water to reduce that thirst and maintain homeostasis. 

Another theory of motivation, arousal theory, states that in the range of arousal levels, people are motivated to have the best performance when in the optimal level of arousal, including alertness, interest, and energy.

Together, these theories show that motivation comes from different sources. In daily life, these factors influence people’s decisions and actions. However, sometimes people experience a lack of motivation, which is associated with mental well-being. During such times of feeling lost, Maslow’s theory of self-actualization can be particularly helpful. Setting goals toward personal growth and fulfillment may bring motivation back and improve well-being.

 

References

https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

https://fiveable.me/key-terms/ap-psych/drive-reduction-theory

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-arousal-theory-of-motivation-2795380

https://www.verywellmind.com/drive-reduction-theory-2795381#:~:text=Drive%20reductions%20theory%20suggests%20that,of%20equilibrium%20in%20the%20body.

By Minsuh Kim