Biopsychological aspects of motivation

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of biological approaches to motivational psychology. These approaches see the affective evaluation of stimuli as the foundation of motivation and locate this process as well as its outcomes in specific areas of the brain (amygdala, striatum, orbitofrontal cortex, hypothalamus). They also discuss the role of neurotransmitters and hormones. This chapter presents general principles and mechanisms of motivational processes and their delineation from other forms of behavioral regulation as well as a few specific motivational systems (eating, social affiliation, dominance, sexuality).