Arousal Theory of

Motivation
By: Cartoon, Jenny, Kul
What is Arousal Theory of Motivation??
“but what really is “arousal”?”
Arousal (n.)
Is the state which you feel
excited or alert; being active,
attentive, or excited.
(synonym: stimulate,
enliven)
 Arousal Theory

+ A theory of motivation that states that we are

motivated to seek out activities that allow us to
perform at our optimum level of arousal
+ We did our best while being moderately arouse;
too much or little of arousal may result weaken in
performance (1)

(1) Arent & Landers, 2003; Hebb, 1995

MAO
- The causes of sensation seeking looks at biological
differences in the brains of sensation seekers.

- MAO
- The sensation seekers tend to have a low levels of a
substance.
- The enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters.

- Neurotransmitters seems to be responsible for motivating

us to obtain rewards.

- The low level of MAO in people’s brain mean that they

experience more dopamine activity than other people.
Low and High Arousal Needs
- The optimal arousal levels is different depending on
each person
- genetic factors
- environmental factors

- Some might have a low and some might have a very

high arousal needs
Examples of behaviours motivated
by arousal levels
HIGH arousal needs:
- thrilling activities
- motorcycle racing
- skydiving

- problematic behaviour
- drug use
- aggression
- delinquency (commiting crimes)
LOW arousal needs:
- Crocheting
- Watching movie
THANK YOU