Existential Fundamental Motivation
Definition
Motivation, from an existential analytic perspective, requires involvement of the person, with his or her potential and ability to decide, in his or her own world. Motivation within this framework takes into account that humans are dialogical in nature and are in continual communication with the world around them (people, ideas, events, their environment, and themselves). It is within this interrelational process that motivation is kindled and occurs. When there is recognition that something is of worth and of value, we are moved to integrate this new information into our lives and we are challenged to respond in some way. Motivation unfolds and is shaped by fundamental themes and realities of existence, according to existential analytic theory.
Description
The study of how human beings are motivated is central to psychology. The aim of this chapter is to outline how the theory of motivation has evolved within a particular psychotherapy, existential analysis, and how it is...
References
- Frankl, V. (2006). Man’s search for meaning. Boston: Beacon.Google Scholar
- Frankl, V. (1973). The Doctor and the Soul. From Psychotherapy to Logotherapy. New York: Random House.Google Scholar
- Längle, A. (2002). Existential fundamental motivation. Paper presented at the 18th World Congress of Psychotherapy, Trondheim, Norway.Google Scholar
- Längle, A. (2003a). The art of involving the person – fundamental motivations as the structure of the motivational process. European Psychotherapy, 4(1), 47–58.Google Scholar
- Längle, A. (2003b). The search for meaning in life and the fundamental existential motivations. Psychotherapy in Australia, 10(1), 22–27.Google Scholar
- von Kirchbach, G. (2003). General introduction to logotherapy and existential analysis. European Psychotherapy, 4(1), 33–46.Google Scholar