Motivation in Psychology: Definition and Explanation
Motivation is one of the most fundamental concepts in psychology because it explains why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. Every action—studying for an exam, working toward a career goal, helping others, or even surviving difficult situations—is driven by motivation. Without motivation, human behavior would be directionless and passive.
Definition of Motivation in Psychology
In psychology, motivation is defined as the internal and external processes that initiate, guide, sustain, and direct behavior toward achieving a goal. It is the force that energizes behavior, gives it direction, and keeps it persistent over time.
Psychologists often describe motivation as a driving force that pushes individuals to act in certain ways to satisfy needs, desires, or goals. These forces can arise from within the individual (internal motivation) or from the environment (external motivation).
- Why does a person start a behavior?
- Why does a person continue the behavior?
- Why does a person stop the behavior?
Why does a person start a behavior?
A person starts a behavior because of a combination of internal and external factors. Internal factors include thoughts, emotions, beliefs, needs, past experiences, and personality. External factors include family influence, social environment, culture, rewards, punishments, and situations they face.
Sometimes a behavior begins to fulfill a need such as safety, love, recognition, or survival. Other times, it develops through observation, habit, or repeated exposure. Behavior often starts through adoption—adoptation comes from surroundings, and surroundings come from environment. In other words, behavior is the combination of past habits and present environment.
Why does a person continue the behavior?
A person continues a behavior because it provides some form of reward or relief. The reward may be emotional comfort, pleasure, approval, power, control, or avoidance of pain or fear. With repetition, behavior turns into habit and becomes automatic.
Social acceptance, validation, or lack of negative consequences further reinforce behavior. Even negative behaviors may continue if they temporarily reduce stress or anxiety.
Why does a person stop the behavior?
A person stops a behavior when it no longer provides reward, relief, or meaning. This happens when behavior starts causing pain, loss, guilt, failure, or negative consequences.
Nature of Motivation
Motivation is a dynamic and complex process, not a fixed trait. It changes depending on situations, emotions, experiences, and individual differences. A person may be highly motivated in career or spirituality but less motivated in social or material aspects.
For example, a student preparing for competitive exams uses energy (long study hours), direction (clear career goal), and persistence (continuing despite failures).
Types of Motivation
1. Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation refers to behavior driven by internal satisfaction and personal interest. A person engages in an activity because it is enjoyable, meaningful, or fulfilling.
Curiosity arises from a gap between what a person knows and what they want to know. The brain enjoys novelty and learning, making reading naturally engaging and self-motivated.
Meditation begins when a person experiences mental noise or emotional restlessness and seeks calm. It brings clarity, emotional stability, and inner strength independent of external conditions.
Writing allows expression of thoughts and emotions that cannot be spoken easily. It brings clarity, emotional relief, and deeper self-understanding.
Intrinsic motivation is stronger and long-lasting because it comes from within and does not depend on rewards or punishment.
2. Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation refers to behavior driven by external rewards or avoidance of punishment.
- Studying to get good grades
- Working to earn money
- Obeying rules to avoid punishment
Extrinsic motivation is effective but usually short-term.
Biological Perspective of Motivation
From a biological viewpoint, motivation arises from physiological needs essential for survival. This balance is known as homeostasis.
- Hunger motivates eating
- Thirst motivates drinking
- Fatigue motivates rest
Psychological Theories of Motivation
1. Instinct Theory
Behavior is motivated by innate biological instincts such as survival and reproduction.
2. Drive Reduction Theory
Proposed by Clark Hull, this theory states that motivation arises from drives created by physiological needs. Behavior aims to reduce discomfort and restore balance.
3. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Physiological needs
- Safety needs
- Love and belongingness
- Esteem needs
- Self-actualization
4. Expectancy Theory
Motivation depends on expectation of success and value of the goal.
Emotional and Cognitive Aspects of Motivation
Motivation is closely connected with emotions and cognition. Fear, hope, love, and anger strongly influence behavior. Beliefs, goals, self-confidence, and perception of control also shape motivation.
Importance of Motivation in Human Life
- Learning and education
- Career growth
- Mental health and well-being
- Personal development and discipline
Motivation is the core force behind all human actions. It explains why individuals act, strive, struggle, and persist in life. Whether driven by biological needs, emotional desires, or higher ideals, motivation shapes personality and destiny.
Understanding motivation helps individuals improve performance, maintain mental balance, and move toward meaningful goals. Ultimately, motivation is not just about success—it is about purpose, direction, and the will to move forward in life.
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