Arousal Theory

The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people take certain actions to either decrease or increase levels of arousal. When arousal levels get too low, for example, a person might feel motivated to do something exciting such as watch an action movie. When arousal levels get too high, on the other hand, a person would probably look for ways to relax such as yoga. According to this theory, we are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, although this level can vary based on the individual or the situation.

In sports, a person wants to be at a peak level of arousal to perform his or her best. Studies show that the peak level of arousal is achieved after eating certain foods and getting certain about of sleep. However, if a person need to get sleep, they will not want to be at the peak level of arousal. They will want a low level. 

Intertwined with arousal and motivation are a person’s emotions. We are motivated to experience emotions and our emotions are involved in the beginning and continuation of our behaviors.  Many forms of motivation have an emotional bi-part.  Although we inherit some number of physiological motives, our emotions are entirely learned as we develop and drive our motivation level.  We experience a broad variety of emotions, such as frustration, fear, stress, boredom, happiness, or love.  

Our emotions are sometimes driven by our level of arousal. The arousal influences the how we behave, act and feel.  Moderate levels of arousal lead to the most emotionally balanced behavior.  Low and high levels of arousal can lead to differing emotional levels, which then can motivate use to take action- sometimes good, sometimes bad.  For example, if someone has a low arousal level, they may be depressed. And if someone is depressed, they will be motivated to sit around and eat chocolate ice cream.

In conclusion, emotions can cause different levels of arousal, therefore motivating a person.  The arousal theory is based on ideas that individuals perform better at different levels of arousal.  Humans are geared to maintain a certain level of arousal to feel comfortable.  When we are most comfortable we have reached our optimum level of arousal.

That optimum level can differ from person to person.  Some individuals can reach that level by reading a good book, watching television or taking a nap.  Others need to ride motorcycles at high speeds, skydive or play a game of paintball in order to reach their optimum comfort level. Determining our optimum level of arousal helps us to understand why we do what we do.