Motivation Theories

By: Tammy Poe

Axia University of Phoenix
May 25, 2010








The motivation theories I agree with most after reviewing the text is the psychoanalytic view.
Freuds theory of motivation can be narrowed down to four basic propositions. Freud called
them the principle of (a) determinism, (b) drive, (c) conflict, and (d) the unconscious. Freud
Studied not only the mind, but how the unconscious mind works. Freuds view of repression and
repressors not only look on the outside, but the inside of the conscious mind. He believed people
perceive, learn, and remember things without consciously knowing it.
Repression is a part of peoples everyday life. People who experience little anxiety on a
conscious level and adopt a highly defensive approach to life are called repressors. I agree with
Freuds views of the ego defenses. The id is the home of the instinctual impulses of sex,
aggression, ones wishes, fantasies, and inclination. The id is completely out of touch with the
outside world of reality. According to Freud, the ego and superego are somewhat conscious to
the outside world.
The ego helps ensure the safety and self-preservation of the reality principle; the secondary
process thinking, is the conscious, deliberate, and geared towards solving problems in a rational
and realistic manner. The superego is a primitive internalized representation of the norms and
values of society, and tells one what they should or should not be doing. I do believe human
motivation does affect our thoughts and feelings, and they stem from sexual and aggressive
instincts.
As most people are motivated by determination, which helps them drive towards their goals.
Knowing how to handle conflict can be either conscious or unconscious, because humans
consciously and unconsciously know how to handle certain situations. The conscious and
unconscious mind takes in the information for later use. I do not really know which I disagree
with the most, because all three theories could be beneficial to different motivations.
But, I disagree with the diversity view. My reasons are not clear to me, but I think diversity
theories explain the least about the motivation theories. I think Henry Murrays theory that a
persons actions reflect on the past and future says the least about motivation theories.
Although motivations such as achievement, affiliation, aggression, autonomy, dominance,
exhibition, harm avoidance, nurturance, order, play, sentience, sex, succorance, and
understanding are all motivations from within. However, Freuds theories are more about the
inner and outer self motivations, and how we should or should not handle them.