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Applying Motivation And Emotion Theories

Applying Motivation and Emotion Theories

in an Analysis of Scrooge's Behaviour

Motivation and Emotion Theories 2

In the past many theories have been put forth in an attempt to understand the
motivations of an individuals behaviour and the emotions involved. According to
Reber & Reber (2001) emotional states tend to have motivational properties and the elements of a motivation will often have emotional ties. In addition, theorists have identified that physiological structures usually appear to exist in a motivational and emotional context (Heilman & Bowers, 1990; Reber, 2001; Strongman, 1973; Weiner, 1985). Some of the more well known ideas put forth by theorists include locus of control, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and opponent process theory. Whilst some of the concepts concerning emotions are the James-Lange theory, the Cannon-Bard theory and the cognitive arousal theory. One way of understanding how these particular theories work is to apply them to the motivations and often accompanying emotions of an individual, in this case, by the use of a fictional character such as Ebinizer Scrooge from Charles Dickens' ‘The Christmas Carol.'
Developed by the theorist Julian Rotter, locus of control refers to a set of beliefs about the relationship between behaviour and the subsequent occurrence of rewards and punishments (Hjelle & Zeigler, 1992; Reber, 2001; Weiner, 1985). Links have been found between locus of control and behaviour patterns in a number of different areas. According to Hjelle & Ziegler (1992), those individuals with an internal locus of control are inclined to take responsibility for their actions, are not easily influenced by the opinions of others, are generally confident in their abilities and ultimately believe they have control over their own outcomes. Those with an external locus of control, by comparison , are readily influenced by the opinions of others, tend to blame outside circumstances for their mistakes and credit...