Unit 5️⃣ Flashcards
What is a need?
A need is any condition inherent to a person that is essential for life, development, and well-
being. When needs are met, they contribute to maintaining and enhancing well-being. However, if
they are neglected, they can lead to harm that disrupts physical and psychological well-being,
potentially causing stress, discomfort, or long-term negative effects on a person’s motivation and
overall health.
What happens when needs are neglected?
When needs are neglected, a person experiences a hindrance in their well-being. For example, if
psychological needs are not satisfied, it can lead to emotional distress, lack of motivation, or even
mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. If physiological needs (like food and water) are
neglected, physical health deteriorates, leading to fatigue, weakness, or even life-threatening
conditions.
What are psychological needs?
Psychological needs are internal drives that encourage individuals to explore, learn, and seek
challenges to achieve emotional and personal growth. Unlike physiological needs, which arise from
biological deficiencies, psychological needs are proactive—they motivate individuals to actively
engage with their environment to fulfill personal interests, develop new skills, and experience intrinsic satisfaction.
Can you give examples of activities that satisfy psychological needs?
Yes, several activities help fulfill psychological needs:• Engaging in sports or physical activities: Provides opportunities to challenge oneself, improve
skills, and develop a sense of competence.
• Learning a new hobby or skill: Offers a sense of autonomy, creativity, and self-improvement.
• Facing academic or work-related challenges: Helps build resilience and a sense of achievement
when overcoming obstacles.
• Exploring nature or traveling: Satisfies curiosity, imagination, and the need for adventure and
autonomy.
Why are psychological needs considered organic?
Psychological needs are considered organic because they naturally emerge as individuals interact
with their environment. They are not artificially imposed but arise from a person’s innate tendencies
to grow, explore, and seek fulfillment. Since they stem from the human desire for development and
emotional satisfaction, they are essential for a person’s well-being and motivation.
Psychological needs are considered organic because they naturally emerge as individuals interact
with their environment. They are not artificially imposed but arise from a person’s innate tendencies
to grow, explore, and seek fulfillment. Since they stem from the human desire for development and
emotional satisfaction, they are essential for a person’s well-being and motivation.
Why psychological need act as a behavioural motivator?
Psychological needs act as behavioral motivators, meaning they naturally drive individuals to
engage in activities that promote growth, learning, and fulfillment. When people’s psychological
needs are met, they feel more motivated, productive, and emotionally satisfied. For example:
• Someone with a strong need for competence may actively seek out challenging tasks to improve
their skills.
• A person with a high need for autonomy will prefer making independent choices rather than
following rigid rules.
What is autonomy in psychology?
Autonomy is the psychological need to experience self-determination, meaning that individuals
feel in control of their actions and decisions. When people have autonomy, they act based on their
values, interests, and personal goals rather than external pressures or obligations. This sense of
control contributes to motivation, well-being, and a greater sense of fulfillment.
What are the three key components that define autonomy?
The three components that contribute to the subjective experience of autonomy are:
1. Perceived Locus of Causality (PLOC): Refers to the understanding of the origin of one’s
motivated actions. When a person feels that their actions stem from internal desires and values, they
experience greater autonomy.
2. Volition: The feeling of willingness and free engagement in an activity, rather than feeling forced
or pressured to act.
3. Perceived Choice: The sense of having meaningful options and the ability to make decisions
based on personal preference rather than external control.
What is an example of autonomy in decision-making?
An example of autonomy is a student choosing a university degree based on their passions and
skills rather than selecting a field just because their parents expect them to. Another example is an
employee who is given flexibility in their work schedule, allowing them to manage their time in a
way that suits their productivity and personal needs.
What is competence, and why is it important?
Competence is the psychological need to interact effectively with the environment, master
challenges, and improve one’s skills. People with a strong need for competence seek activities that
allow them to test their abilities, receive feedback, and experience a sense of achievement. This
need is essential for motivation, as it encourages individuals to set goals, strive for personal
development, and build self-confidence through accomplishment.
What environmental factors help satisfy the need for competence?
Three key environmental factors that foster competence are:
1. Optimal Challenge: Tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult provide a sense of personal
growth and accomplishment.
2. High Structure: Clear guidance, expectations, and constructive feedback help people navigate
challenges effectively.
3. High Tolerance for Failure: Encouraging perseverance and viewing failure as a learning
opportunity rather than a setback supports motivation and skill development.
What is the psychological state of “Flow,” and how does it relate to competence?
Flow is a psychological state characterized by deep concentration, enjoyment, and a sense of
total immersion in an activity. It occurs when a person is highly skilled in a task and the challenge
level is appropriately balanced—neither too easy nor too difficult. This state is associated with peak
performance and satisfaction in activities such as sports, creative work, and academic tasks.
What is relatedness, and why is it important?
Relatedness is the psychological need to establish close emotional connections and meaningful
relationships with others. It reflects the desire to feel accepted, valued, and emotionally supported in
social interactions. When individuals feel a strong sense of relatedness, they experience greater
emotional well-being, social support, and motivation in various aspects of life.
Do all social interactions satisfy the need for relatedness?
No, simply interacting with others does not necessarily fulfill the need for relatedness. For this
need to be satisfied, relationships must involve mutual care, interest, and emotional support.
Superficial or obligatory interactions do not provide the same emotional fulfillment as deep,
meaningful connections.
What is a communal relationship, and how does it support relatedness?
A communal relationship is one where individuals genuinely care for each other’s well-being
without expecting immediate reciprocity. These relationships foster trust, emotional security, and
long-term support, making them essential for satisfying the need for relatedness. Examples include
close friendships, healthy romantic relationships, and strong family bonds.
How do social needs differ from physiological and psychological needs?
Unlike physiological needs (which are biologically essential) and psychological needs (which
drive self-growth), social needs are acquired through experience and socialization. They develop
over time based on cultural influences, personal experiences, and social interactions.
What are the three primary social needs?
- Achievement: The drive to succeed and meet a standard of excellence.
- Affiliation: The need to establish and maintain social bonds.
- Power: The desire to influence or control others and the environment.
How does the need for achievement influence behavior?
People with a high need for achievement seek out challenges, set high goals, and strive for
success in competitive environments. They respond to challenges with hope and pride, while those
with a low need for achievement may experience anxiety and fear of failure, leading them to avoid
risks.
What is the need for affiliation?
The need for affiliation is the desire to establish, maintain, or restore positive relationships with
others. People with a high need for affiliation seek approval, emotional security, and social
acceptance, often feeling anxious in situations where they fear rejection.
How does the need for power manifest in behavior?
Individuals with a high need for power seek leadership roles, assert dominance, and strive to
influence others. They experience satisfaction from exerting control but may also face challenges in
maintaining balanced and cooperative relationships.
