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Distress from Motivational Dis-integration: When Fundamental Motives Are Too Weak or Too Strong

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Behavioral Neuroscience of Motivation

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 27))

Abstract

Past research has shown that satisfying different kinds of fundamental motives contributes to well-being. More recently, advances in motivational theory have shown that z is also tied to the integration of different motives. In other words, well-being depends not only on maximizing effectiveness in satisfying specific motives, but also on ensuring that motives work together such that no individual motive is too weak or too strong. In this chapter, we review existing research to show that specific forms of psychological distress can be linked to specific types of motivational imbalance or dis-integration. Such disintegration can arise from either excessive weakness of a specific motive or the excessive strength and/or dominance of a specific motive, thereby inhibiting other motives. Possible neural correlates and avenues of intervention are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, United States Military Academy, 281 Thayer Hall, West Point, New York, NY, 10996, USA

    James F. M. Cornwell

  2. Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Becca Franks

  3. Department of Psychology, Columbia University, 406 Schermerhorn Hall, 1190 Amsterdam Ave. MC 5501, New York, NY, 10027, USA

    E. Tory Higgins

Authors
  1. James F. M. Cornwell
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  2. Becca Franks
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  3. E. Tory Higgins
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Correspondence to James F. M. Cornwell .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA

    Eleanor H. Simpson

  2. Barnard College, Columbia University Barnard College, New York, New York, USA

    Peter D. Balsam

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Cornwell, J.F.M., Franks, B., Higgins, E.T. (2015). Distress from Motivational Dis-integration: When Fundamental Motives Are Too Weak or Too Strong. In: Simpson, E., Balsam, P. (eds) Behavioral Neuroscience of Motivation. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 27. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2015_389

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