A motive is a stimulus that moves a person to behave in ways designed to carry out a specific goal. These motives are considered theoretical states because they cannot be seen or measured directly. Psychologists assume that people are "motivated" when they see them trying to reach their goals.
Needs
When psychologists discuss motives, they often talk about needs. A need is a condition in which we require something that we do not have. People have both biological and psychological needs. People satisfy biological needs in order to survive, such as the need for oxygen and food. Physical deprivation can cause biological needs, such as hunger and thirst.
In the psychology of needs, we can look at Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Abraham Harold Maslow developed Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory of psychological health based on prioritizing the fulfillment of innate human needs, culminating in self-actualization.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Physiological needs - these are biological requirements for human survival, such as air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, and sleep.
- Safety needs - when an individual's physiological needs are met, the need for security and safety appears. People want order, predictability, and control in their lives.
- Love and belongingness needs - after physiological and safety needs are met, the third level of human needs is social, which includes feelings of belonging.
- Esteem needs - including self-worth, accomplishment, and respect.
- Self-actualization needs - the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy, referring to the realization of a person's potential and self-fulfillment.
The Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides a broad framework for the study of human motivation and personality. SDT identifies three universally important psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) for psychological well-being and autonomous motivation.
- Autonomy - feeling in command and having a choice, making well-informed choices, accepting responsibility for your choices and actions, feeling liberated and willing.
- Competence - having the right level of difficulty, feeling capable of taking on new challenges, and having faith in your ability to complete tasks.
- Relatedness - feeling connected to others in your environment and having a strong social support network.
In conclusion, understanding the theories of motivation and emotion in psychology, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the Self-Determination Theory, is essential for understanding human behavior and the factors that drive individuals to achieve their goals and fulfill their potential.
