Motivation, 5B Flashcards
Definition of Motivation
Motivation is an internal state that drives people into action.
It energizes, directs, and perpetuates behavior.
Motivation is directed towards the satisfaction of needs or drives.
When needs are unsatisfied, it generates a state of physiological or psychological arousal.
Motivation is dynamic and can change over time.
Individual differences exist in motivation, including state and trait differences.
Motivation is linked with important life outcomes, although its relationship with personality is debated.
Murray’s Model of Motivation
Murray (1938) proposed a model where situational conditions/events and needs lead to motives, which then influence behavior.
Primary needs are biological in nature, such as the need for air, food, pain avoidance, and sex.
Secondary or psychogenic needs are derived from biology and/or psychology, such as the need for nurturance and achievement.
Murray identified 20 psychogenic needs based on extensive data collection from interviews, observations, and childhood memories.
More recent research focuses on three primary secondary needs: Need for Achievement, Need for Affiliation, and Need for Power.
McClelland’s Acquired Needs Theory
McClelland (1950s) proposed three basic secondary needs: Need for Achievement, Need for Affiliation, and Need for Power.
Need for Achievement is the desire to master skills, do things well, and accomplish goals.
Need for Affiliation is the desire to form relationships and spend time with others.
Need for Power is the desire to influence and control others.
The theory is often measured using the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), a projective test that assesses implicit motives.
Subcomponents of Motives
Schultheiss (2008) proposed subcomponents of motives, such as the Hope and Fear components.
For example, Need for Achievement can involve Hope for Success and Fear of Failure.
Need for Power can involve Hope for Power and Fear of Weakness.
Hill (1987) identified subtypes of motives within the Need for Affiliation, which show differential correlations with behavioral intentions.
Correlates of High Need for Achievement
Schultheiss (2008) found that individuals with a high Need for Achievement prefer tasks of moderate difficulty that indicate their ability.
They also prefer work settings with frequent feedback on current versus previous performance.
Correlates of a high Need for Achievement can include factors such as goal orientation, perseverance, and a drive for success.
Correlates of High Need for Power
Schultheiss (2008) noted that the Need for Power can reflect a desire to influence and have an impact, not just dominate and control.
It can also be expressed through generativity, such as teaching or involvement in parenting.
High Need for Power is correlated with effective leadership in managerial, political, and leadership roles.
Correlates of High Need for Affiliation
Schultheiss (2008) identified correlates of a high Need for Affiliation.
Langer and Winter (2001) found that a high Need for Affiliation is positively related to making concessions to avoid or resolve conflicts.
Physiology of Need for Power
Schultheiss (2008) investigated the physiology of the Need for Power.
Need for Power can reflect a desire for influence and impact.
It can also be expressed through generativity.
The physiological correlates of the Need for Power are complex and not fully understood.
Negative Health Effects of Need for Power
McClelland, Alexander, and Marks (1982) conducted a study with male prison inmates.
They measured the Need for Power and Need for Affiliation using the Thematic Apperception Test.
Participants reported the number of stressors experienced and the number and severity of illnesses in the past 12 months.
Saliva samples were collected to measure salivary immunoglobulin-A (S-IgA), an indicator of immune functioning.
Health Effects of Need for Power
McClelland (1989) suggested that it is the “Stressed power motive” that is associated with poorer health.
Schultheiss (2008) stated that a high need for power per se is not a general vulnerability for impaired health.
Need for Affiliation and Health
Schultheiss (2008) found that the Need for Affiliation is associated with parasympathetic activity and increased immune functioning.
Generally, the Need for Affiliation has positive effects on health.
Protective Effects of Need for Affiliation
McClelland and Kirshnit (1988) conducted a study with student participants.
They primed the Need for Affiliation group further in a post-film writing task about love and caring.
Levels of salivary immunoglobulin-A (S-IgA) were measured before and after the film, and illness experienced that year was recorded.
The study provided evidence for the protective effects of the Need for Affiliation on health.
Change in Need for Power and Health
McClelland and Kirshnit (1988) found no overall effect of a change in the Need for Power on health.
However, a sub-group with an “inhibited power motive syndrome” (high in Need for Power, low in Need for Affiliation, high in inhibition) showed a reduction in S-IgA after watching a WWII film.
There was no direct link found between the reactive increase in S-IgA and illness history.
