The Arousal Theory of Motivation

The Arousal Theory of Motivation Theories Print The Arousal Theory of Motivation By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on September 17, 2019 Kevin Elvis King / Getty Images More in Theories Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Social Psychology Biological Psychology Psychosocial Psychology What is it that motivates us to do the things we do? There are many theories of motivation, one of which focuses on arousal levels. The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people are driven to perform actions in order to maintain an optimum level of physiological arousal. What exactly is the optimal level of motivation? Well, it varies from one individual to the next. Some people may require a higher level of arousal, which might motivate them to seek out exciting and stimulating activities. Other people may do better with much lower arousal levels, so they might feel compelled to seek out soothing and relaxing activities. How the Arousal Theory of Motivation Works According to the arousal theory of motivation, each person has a unique arousal level that is right for them. When our arousal levels drop below these personalized optimal levels, we seek some sort of stimulation to elevate them. For example, if our levels drop too low we might seek stimulation by going out to a nightclub with friends. If these levels become too elevated and we become overstimulated, we might be motivated to select a relaxing activity such as going for a walk or taking a nap. One of the key assumptions of the arousal theory is that we are motivated to pursue actions that help us maintain an ideal balance. When we become overly aroused, we seek soothing activities that help calm and relax us. If we become bored, we head in search of more invigorating activities that will energize and arouse us. Its all about striking the right balance, but that balance is unique to each individual. Arousal theory shares some commonalities with  drive-reduction theory, but instead of focusing on reducing tension, arousal theory suggests that we are motivated to maintain an ideal level of arousal. Arousal Levels Are Highly Individual Optimal arousal levels vary from one individual to the next. There are many factors that might influence each persons optimal arousal levels, including genetics, experience, and current mood. Your arousal preferences, in general, may be specified by your genetic makeup, but environmental factors can also play a role in how you are feeling at any given moment. One person may have very low arousal needs while another individual might require very high levels. The person with low arousal needs might be motivated to pursue simple activities such as crocheting or watching a movie in order to maintain their arousal levels. The individual with high arousal needs, on the other hand, might be motivated to seek risky or thrilling activities such as motorcycle racing or skydiving in order to maintain his or her ideal levels. Behavior Is Often Motivated by Arousal Levels. Some Examples: If you need to raise your arousal levels, you might:Engage in physical activitySocialize with friendsTry something new and excitingWatch an action-packed movieIf you need to lower your arousal levels, you might:Read a bookTake a bathEnjoy a relaxing hobbyTake a nap No matter what your arousal needs are, you will be motivated to act in order to maintain these levels. 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. Arousal and Performance One of the assertions of the arousal theory of motivation is that our levels of arousal can influence our performance. Higher arousal levels can sometimes help us perform better, but it can also impair performance if arousal levels are too high. This is commonly referred to as the Yerkes-Dodson Law. The law states that increased levels of arousal will improve performance, but only up until the optimum arousal level is reached. At that point, performance begins to suffer as arousal levels increase. Additionally, if youre doing a complex task, high or low levels of arousal will affect you more than if youre doing something simple. 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. Excessive arousal can lead to test anxiety and leave you nervous and unable to concentrate on the test. When arousal levels are very high or very low, performance tends to be worse.