What exactly is the optimal level of motivation? 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.
What Is Arousal Theory?
According to the arousal theory of motivation, each person has a unique arousal level that is right for them. When our arousal levels fall outside of these personalized optimal levels, we seek some sort of activity to get them back within our desired ranges. Examples of arousal theory include:
If our arousal levels drop too low, we might seek stimulation by going out to a nightclub with friends. If our arousal 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.
Arousal can be mental (cognitive), emotional (affective), or physical—sometimes referred to as the three parts of arousal theory or the three types of arousal.
How Arousal Theory Works
When we become overly aroused, we seek soothing activities that help calm and relax us. If we become bored, we search for more invigorating activities that will energize and arouse us. It’s 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.
Factors That Influence Arousal Theory
There are many factors that can influence each person’s 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.
How Arousal Affects Performance
Why is arousal theory important? One of the assertions of this theory of motivation is that our levels of arousal can influence our performance. But again, balance is key. This concept 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 you’re doing a complex task, high or low levels of arousal will affect you more than if you’re 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. But excessive arousal can lead to test anxiety and leave you nervous and unable to concentrate. When arousal levels are very high or very low, performance tends to be worse.
How to Change Your Arousal and Motivation
A 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. An 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 their ideal levels. If you need to raise your arousal levels, you might:
Engage in physical activitySocialize with friendsTry something new and excitingWatch an action-packed movie
If you need to lower your arousal levels, you might:
Enjoy a relaxing hobby Read a book Take a bath Take 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.
