The motivation theory which says that we are motivated to seek goals which give us emotional feelings and avoids goals resulting in displeasure:

1. A

   Opponent process theory

2. B

   Optimal level theory

3. C

   Drive theory

4. D

   Incentive theory

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

• Incentive theory is known as a 'pull theory' of motivation, where behavior is directed by external stimuli or rewards.
• It posits that individuals are motivated to seek out goals that offer positive rewards, which result in pleasurable emotional feelings.
• Simultaneously, individuals are motivated to avoid goals or outcomes that are linked to punishment or displeasure.
• This directly matches the question's description of seeking goals that provide positive emotions and avoiding those that cause negative ones.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Opponent-process theory explains the dynamic relationship between opposing emotions (e.g., fear and relief). While it involves pleasure and displeasure, its core concept is that an initial emotional state is followed by its opposite to maintain balance. It's more specific to phenomena like addiction and thrill-seeking, not general goal-seeking.
• Option B: Optimal level theory, or arousal theory, suggests that people are motivated to maintain a balanced or optimal level of physiological and psychological arousal. It's about the level of stimulation, not the pursuit of pleasure from a specific goal.
• Option C: Drive theory is a 'push theory' where motivation arises from internal biological needs (drives) like hunger or thirst. The goal is to reduce the internal tension caused by these unmet needs, not to seek an external emotional reward.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Theories of Motivation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Understanding motivation theories helps nurses encourage patient adherence to treatment plans. Using positive reinforcement like praise (a positive incentive) can motivate a patient to follow their medication schedule.
• In mental health nursing, recognizing that a patient's behavior might be driven by a desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms (as explained by opponent-process theory) is crucial for developing an effective care plan for substance use disorders.
• What if? If the question described a person working extra hours to receive a bonus, the answer would still be Incentive Theory, as the bonus is a clear external incentive pulling the behavior.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the core concept in the question's stem. The question describes motivation based on seeking goals that provide 'emotional feelings' (pleasure) and avoiding goals that cause 'displeasure'.
• Analyze the keywords: 'seek goals', 'emotional feelings', 'avoids displeasure'. This phrasing points towards motivation driven by the outcome or reward associated with a goal.
• Evaluate each option. Drive theory is about internal 'pushes' (needs), not external 'pulls' (goals). Optimal level theory is about arousal balance, not the pleasure/displeasure of the goal itself.
• Differentiate between Incentive and Opponent-process theories. Opponent-process theory is a specific mechanism about emotional rebounds. Incentive theory is a broader principle about being 'pulled' by external rewards.
• Conclude that Incentive theory, which focuses on the pull of external goals that promise pleasure or avoidance of pain, is the best fit for the general description in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Theories of Motivation
• Stem keywords: motivation theory, seek goals, emotional feelings, avoids displeasure
• Lead-in keywords: which says that
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QyhHGsMgGqZZJasCHkcazd

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 1 p. 286-288

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 6e Sem1 p. 208-210