There are manytheories of motivation, one of which focuses on arousal levels.
In this article, you will learn more about what arousal theory is and how it works.
What Is Arousal Theory of Motivation?
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He believed people are often driven by emotional needs for love, achievement, power, and affiliation.
What is Arousal Theory in Psychology?
What exactly is the optimal level of arousal for motivation?
Educators, coaches, and business managers have been trying to figure this out for decades.
Some people may require a higher level of arousal while others may do better with much lower arousal levels.
You may be someone who becomes bored easily and needs more stimulation to hold your attention.
How Arousal Theory Works
The arousal theory of motivation shares some commonalities with thedrive-reduction theory.
Satisfying the need thereby reduces the tension for the time being.
When we become overly aroused, we seek soothing activities that help calm and relax us.
If we become under-aroused, we search for more invigorating activities that will stimulate and energize us.
It’s all about striking the right balance, but that balance is unique to each individual.
After that point, performance begins to suffer as arousal levels increase.
On a graph, this will look like an inverted U-shaped curve.
Most students have experienced this phenomenon when taking final exams.
Increased arousal can lead to better test performance by helping you stay alert, focused, and attentive.
However excessive arousal can lead totest anxietyand leave you nervous and unable to concentrate.
When arousal levels are very high or very low, performance tends to be worse.
If you need more arousal, you will pursue actions designed to raise those levels.
If you need less, you will seek out ways to calm down and relax.
Allo Health.Understanding optimal arousal theory.
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