Myers (2009) outlines different perspectives used by psychologists to explain the motivation concept which include: drive reduction theory, arousal theory and hierarchy of needs by Maslow. Maslow’s theory stands out because it explains motivation in a broader perspective. For example, it is only when one’s hunger is satisfied that the issue of the family the person comes from becomes of concern. The homeless are more concerned about where their next meal will come from than the need to belong. Myers (2009) classifies emotions into embodied, expressed and experienced emotions. Stress is defined as “a process of appraising and responding to a threatening or challenging event” (Myers, 2009, p. 238). Stress stands out especially in end of semester exams when many students express tension and anxiety. Myers (2009) asserts that stress has a suppressing effect on the functioning of the immune system through behaviors which worsen conditions such as heart diseases, cancer and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. He notes that the engagement of skills in activities boosts the well-being, self esteem and competence while satisfaction of employees encourages creativity, the desire to help, persistence and positive attitudes. Myers (2009) thus recommends that strengths of employees are harnessed and matched to work.
Motivation is defined as “the desire to perform a behavior due to the promise of a reward or threat of punishment, or just for its own sake” (Myers, 2009, p. 235). The main perspectives on motivation are the drive reduction theory, arousal theory and hierarchy of needs (Wentzel & Wigfield, 2009). Drive reduction theory suggests that unsatisfied needs cause a drive to reduce the need which depends on incentives. Arousal theory is of the perspective that the unmet needs cause an aroused feeling. This feeling is manifested through tension and physical energy. The hierarchy of needs theory suggests that there are different needs in a hierarchical order. The lower needs include hunger and thirst. The order increases to the need to belong, safety needs, self esteem and self actualization (Waitley, 1993). This theory applies best to me since the needs it addresses are broad and applicable in many situations. For example, before we had a home of our own, I was only concerned with food and how to get something to eat. Our relocation to a new home caused me to focus on forming new friends at school and in the neighborhood.
I have witnessed and heard of people dying of a broken heart. Normally, when one faces rejection, divorce, widowhood, and broken relationships the need to belong is not satisfied hence stress sets in. Once stress is not dealt with, the person engages in unhealthy behavior such as drinking and poor nutrition which adversely affect the health of the person even to death. Stress in this case may also lead many to commit suicide.
GoodHealth (2007) suggests that forming a network of friends is a way of reducing stress. It suggests ways of networking such as; volunteering, commitment to spiritual affiliations such as churches, maintaining contacts with friends, joining organizations of common interest or opening up to someone trustworthy. Archer (2010) suggests that non verbal communication plays an important role in communication. This kind of communication examines how words are said. These forms include; facial expressions, body language, hand gestures, personal space, touch and the voice characteristics.
Reference List
- Archer, D. (2010).Non Verbal Communication. Web.
- GoodHealth. (2007). Social Network may help reduce stress.
- Myers, D. (2009). Psychology in everyday life. New York: Worth Publishers.
- Waitley, D. (1993). Psychology of motivation. New York: Nightingale-Conant.
- Wentzel, K., & Wigfield, A. (2009). Handbook of motivation at school. New York: Routledge.