The Arousal Theory of Motivation

What is it that motivates us to do the things we do? There are manytheories of motivation, one of which focuses on arousal levels. The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people are driven to perform actions in order to maintain an optimum level of physiological arousal.

What exactly is the optimal level of motivation? Well, it varies from one individual to the next. Some people may require a higher level of arousal, which might motivate them to seek out exciting and stimulating activities. Other people may do better with much lower arousal levels, so they might feel compelled to seek out soothing and relaxing activities.

What Is Arousal Theory of Motivation?

According to the arousal theory of motivation, each person has a unique arousal level that is right for them. When our arousal levels drop below these personalized optimal levels, we seek some sort of stimulation to elevate them.

例如,如果我们的水平太低了我们可能会下降seek stimulationby going out to a nightclub with friends. If these levels become too elevated and we become overstimulated, we might be motivated to select a relaxing activity such as going for a walk ortaking a nap.

When we become overly aroused, we seek soothing activities that help calm and relax us. If we become bored, we head in search of more invigorating activities that will energize and arouse us. It's all about striking the right balance, but that balance is unique to each individual.

Arousal theory shares some commonalities withdrive-reduction theory. But instead of focusing on reducing tension, arousal theory suggests that we are motivated to maintain an ideal level of arousal.

Key Features

There are several features of the arousal theory of motivation that distinguish this line of thinking.

Arousal Levels Are Highly Individual

Optimal arousal levels vary from one individual to the next. There are many factors that might influence each person's optimal arousal levels, including genetics, experience, andcurrent mood.

Your arousal preferences, in general, may be specified by your genetic makeup, but environmental factors can also play a role in how you are feeling at any given moment. One person may have very low arousal needs while another individual might require very high levels.

Behavior Is Motivated by Arousal Levels

The person with low arousal needs might be motivated to pursue simple activities such as crocheting or watching a movie in order to maintain their arousal levels. The individual with high arousal needs, on the other hand, might be motivated to seek risky or thrilling activities such as motorcycle racing or skydiving in order to maintain his or her ideal levels.

If you need to raise your arousal levels, you might:

• Engage in physical activity
• 年代ocialize with friends
• Try something new and exciting
• Watch an action-packed movie

If you need to lower your arousal levels, you might:

• Enjoy a relaxing hobby
• Read a book
• Take a bath
• Take a nap

No matter what your arousal needs are, you will be motivated to act in order to maintain these levels. If you need more arousal, you will pursue actions designed to raise those levels. If you need less, you will seek out ways to calm down and relax.

Arousal Influences Performance

One of the assertions of the arousal theory of motivation is that our levels of arousal can influence our performance. But again, balance is key.

This concept is commonly referred to as theYerkes-Dodson Law. The law states that increased levels of arousal will improve performance, but only up until the optimum arousal level is reached. At that point, performance begins to suffer as arousal levels increase. Additionally, if you're doing a complex task, high or low levels of arousal will affect you more than if you're doing something simple.

Most students have experienced this phenomenon when taking final exams. Increased arousal can lead to better test performance by helping you stay alert, focused, and attentive. Excessive arousal can lead totest anxietyand leave you nervous and unable to concentrate on the test. When arousal levels are very high or very low, performance tends to be worse.