Belief that organisms seek to increase stimulation when it is below the optimal level

Abstract

Two studies are reported that examine the relationships between optimum stimulation level (OSL), selected personality traits, demographic variables, and exploratory behavior in the consumer context. The results show several significant correlations between OSL and the other variables examined. Research and managerial implications of the results are outlined.

Journal Information

Founded in 1974, the Journal of Consumer Research publishes scholarly research that describes and explains consumer behavior. Empirical, theoretical, and methodological articles spanning fields such as psychology, marketing, sociology, economics, and anthropology are featured in this interdisciplinary journal. The primary thrust of JCR is academic, rather than managerial, with topics ranging from micro-level processes (e.g., brand choice) to more macro-level issues (e.g., the development of materialistic values).

Publisher Information

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. OUP is the world's largest university press with the widest global presence. It currently publishes more than 6,000 new publications a year, has offices in around fifty countries, and employs more than 5,500 people worldwide. It has become familiar to millions through a diverse publishing program that includes scholarly works in all academic disciplines, bibles, music, school and college textbooks, business books, dictionaries and reference books, and academic journals.

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What is it that motivates us to do the things we do? There are many theories of motivation, one of which focuses on arousal levels. The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people are driven to perform actions in order to maintain an optimum level of physiological arousal.

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.

One of the key assumptions of the arousal theory is that we are motivated to pursue actions that help us maintain an ideal balance.

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.

What is Arousal Theory in Psychology?

The American Psychological Association explains that, according to arousal theory, our physical environment can affect our arousal levels through stimulation (such as by being noisy) and by creating stress when psychological or physical needs go unmet.

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.

Higher arousal levels can sometimes help us perform better, but they can also impair performance if arousal levels are too high.

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 activity
• Socialize with friends
• Try something new and exciting
• Watch 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.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. American Psychological Association. Arousal theory.

By Kendra Cherry
Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology.

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Which of the following is the belief that behavior is motivated by a state of bodily tension that arise from biological needs that demand satisfaction?

What is a state of deprivation psychology?

Which theory or model says that emotional and physiological reactions to triggering stimuli occur almost simultaneously?

What type of motivation reflects a desire for internal gratification?