Flash Cards Unit 4.6, 4.7, 5.1 & 5.2
Instincts
innate and consistent pattern of complex behavior that is performed the same way by every member of the species
Drive-reduction theory
physiological need creates an aroused state (drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy that need to maintain homeostasis
Arousal theory
seeking for an optimal level of arousal. Some behaviors increase arousal
Yerkes-Dodson Law
performance increases with arousal only up to a certain point, beyond which performance decreases
“Moderate arousal leads to optimum performance”
Self- determination theory
identifies three fundamental psychological needs that must be satisfied to foster wellbeing
Autonomy
feeling in control of one’s own behaviors and goals.
Competence
feeling capable and effective in one’s activities
relatedness
feeling a sense of belonging and attachment to others.
intrinsic motivation
doing an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some outside reward.
extrinsic motivation
performing an activity to achieve an external reward or avoid punishment
Incentive theory
positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior
motivation through the “pulling” of incentives
Lewin’s motivational conflicts theory
choices create conflicts that one must resolve, motivating behavior
Approach-approach
2 attractive but incompatible goals pull on you
Approach-avoidance
simultaneously attracted and repelled
Avoidance-avoidance
2 undesirable alternatives
Sensation seeking theory
search for experiences that are varied, novel, complex, and intense.
Thrill/adventure seeking
desire for outdoor activities and physically challenging pursuits that provide a high level of arousal
Experience seeking
pursuit of novel sensory or intellectual experiences through art, travel, music, and social nonconformity.
Disinhibition
tendency to seek release in social settings through partying, social drinking, or engaging in uninhibited social behaviors
Boredom susceptibility
aversion to repetitive routine and predictable circumstances
Hunger motivation
biological drive, important for individual survival
Ghrelin
secreted by an empty stomach to tell the brain you are hungry
Leptin
secreted by fat cells, causes an increase in metabolism and decrease in hunger
Emotion (affect)
complex experience that begins with a stimulus (external factor) and includes physiological responses, subjective emotional feelings (internal factor), and emotional expressions - outward signs of what a person is feeling
Facial-feedback hypothesis
tendency for facial muscles to trigger corresponding feelings, such as fear, anger or happiness.
Broaden-and-Build Theory of Emotion
positive emotions tend to broaden awareness and encourage new actions and thoughts. Negative emotions tend to reduce awareness and narrow thinking and action.
anger
a negative emotion characterized by antagonism towards someone or something
Disgust
a strong negative emotion characterized by a feeling of revulsion or aversion towards something unpleasant or offensive
sadness
a negative emotional state characterized by feelings of unhappiness, usually triggered by a loss or negative event
happiness
state of emotional well-being characterized by positive emotions like joy, contentment, and life satisfaction
fear
an intense emotional response triggered by a perceived threat
surprise
an emotion that arises when an expectation is violated or when someone encounters something completely unexpected
stress
process by which we perceive and respond to certain events (stressors) that we appraise as threatening or challenging
Motivating stressors (eustress)
positive form of stress that pushes people to accomplish or achieve their daily/life goals.
Debilitating stressors (distress)
negative stressors including daily hassles, relationship problems, financial problems, which can significantly impact daily life and functioning
General adaptation syndrome (GAS)
body’s adaptive response to stress in 3 phases - alarm, resistance, exhaustion
Phase 1 ALARM
sympathetic nervous system is activated (fight-flight-or-freeze)
Phase 2 RESISTANCE
heightened alert, release of adrenaline, reserves begin to dwindle
Phase 3 EXHAUSTION
become vulnerable to illness or death
Problem-focused coping
managing or fixing the distressing situation, either by changing our behavior or the situation.
Emotion-focused coping
controlling or replacing the negative emotional response to the stressor. “This is upsetting, but I can stay calm.”
Tend-and-befriend theory
in response to stress people - especially females - come together with others for joint protection of self and offspring.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
collection of potentially traumatic events that a child may experience during their development, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, household dysfunction (like parental substance abuse or domestic violence), or witnessing violence, which can have lasting negative impacts on their mental and physical health later in life
Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)
positive psychological changes that can emerge from grappling with trauma or challenging circumstances
Positive psychology
scientific study of human flourishing. Provides applications of theories and scientific research to promote well being and emphasize positivity in emotion, characteristics, and social structures.
Gratitude
positive emotional response that emerges from acknowledging and appreciating the good aspects of life.
Character strengths/virtues
psychological attributes or traits contributing to an individual’s positive functioning and well-being. There are 24 character strengths in 6 virtue categories:
Wisdom and knowledge
strengths such as creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, and perspective
courage
emcompasses strengths like bravery, persistence, integrity, and vitality.
humanity
involves strengths related to interpersonal relationships, empathy, kindness, and social intelligence.
justice
strengths such as fairness, leadership, teamwork, and citizenship
temperance
strengths related to self-regulation, moderation, humility, and prudence
transcendence
encompasses strengths like gratitude, spirituality, hope, humor, and appreciation of beauty and excellence.
