Motivation & Emotion Theories

Needs, wants, and desires that drive us towards a specific goal.

The internal and external factors that influence our behavior.

A theory suggesting that our behavior is driven by the need to maintain a balanced internal state (homeostasis).

A theory that states that we're motivated by external stimuli, like rewards or punishments.

The physiological need that creates a state of tension, motivating us to reduce the need.

A condition that compels us to act. For example, hunger, thirst, fatigue, etc.

The state of maintaining a steady internal environment.

The motivation driven by a potential external reward or punishment.

A state of heightened physiological arousal, often triggered by an event or situation, that motivates us to act.

How we process and understand the world around us influencing our emotions, thoughts, and actions.

The physical changes we experience related to an emotion, such as increased heartbeat, sweating, or facial expressions.

The outward expression of our emotions through observable behavior, like facial expressions or body language.

A theory that explains our motivation in terms of a need to maintain a balanced internal state. It describes our behaviour as being driven by the need to get back to this balanced state.

The study of the neural processes involved in emotions, particularly how they influence our behaviour and thoughts.

A process in which we try to predict how we will feel in the future. However, humans are not very good at it.

The idea that our motivation is not only driven by internal drives, but also by external factors such as rewards and punishments.

A rapid, automatic response to a stimuli before conscious awareness, crucial for quick reactions.

The limbic system, especially the amygdala, plays a key role in both fast and slow emotion processing pathways.

Basic, universal emotions that are innate and automatic, triggered by specific neurological circuits.

The study of nonverbal communication, including facial expressions, body language, and gestures.

The theory suggesting that changes in facial expressions can influence our emotional experience.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, often through mirroring their expressions.

The theory that suggests physiological arousal and the experience of emotion occur simultaneously.

The ability to manage and regulate emotional experiences, involving both increasing and decreasing emotional intensity.