Motivation

This textbook provides students with an accessible introduction to motivation and emotion. It takes a unique multidisciplinary approach that examines evolutionary, biological, and physiological factors critical in understanding human behavior. By understanding the essential functions of our motivations and emotions, as well as applying the principles and theories described in the text, students will not only gain insights into what motivates their own behavior but also into the processes for enacting self-change through goal setting and commitment. The book’s adoption of multiple perspectives to examine motivation and emotion facilitates the exploration of relevant and interesting topics such as interpersonal relationships, culture, humor, and music, while considering how personality traits, psychological needs, and psychological well-being play a vital role in understanding the reasons behind human behavior and the individual differences that make predicting others' behavior a difficult but fascinating area of study. Key features of this new edition include:A fresh, engaging tone to make often difficult theoretical concepts come to lifeIncreased inclusivity and discussion of motivation and emotion in diverse populations and the inclusion of studies on non-WEIRD populationsIncorporation of a more balanced representation of perspectives, including more social, cognitive, and humanistic approaches to motivation, along with a more integrated focus on emotionThe addition of the latest neurological evidence for motivation and emotionDiscussions of motivations of compulsive behavior in relevant, real-world situations, such as drug use, gambling, online gaming, and obsessive exerciseUpdated resources for both instructors and students, including self-testing quizzes, flashcards, concept maps, videos, PowerPoint slides, and a test bank. Combining classic studies with current research and real-world examples, this text is essential for undergraduate students in a variety of psychology and social science fields.