NEEDS MOTIVATION

Needs Motivation

Needs Motivation

This paper is based on a personal goal aimed at maintaining physical and mental fitness. A chronic illness is any medical condition that has a prolonged course and often interferes with physical and mental functioning. Chronic medical conditions may also be marked by periods of acute exacerbation that require more intensive medical attention. My goal is to reduce and maintain an acceptable level of blood pressure.

Motivation

One of the oldest perspectives, drive theory, proposes the existence of internal motivational states called drives that result from some physiological need. Consequently, drive theory is most relevant to the biologically related motives such as hunger and thirst (Mann, 2007). Drive-reduction theory proposes that drives direct our behavior to reduce an existing state of physiological imbalance (which results from a state of deprivation) and return us to a more balanced state of homeostasis. From a behavioral standpoint, behaviors that lead to drive reduction are therefore reinforced and are more likely to occur again.

Exercise

People suffering from blood pressure and obesity may consume a tremendous number of calories at one sitting and then vomit, take laxatives or diuretics, or engage in excessive exercise. These behaviors following an episode of binge eating are referred to as compensatory behaviors and are the mark of the purging component of bulimia nervosa. There are also bulimics who restrict their food intake and exercise for weight control (Perri, 2006). “Associated general psychopathology (e.g., depression and personality disorders) and psychosocial impairment are common.”

Components of Behavioral Interventions for Blood Pressure and Obesity

Self-Monitoring

One feature of behavioral weight control interventions is self-monitoring of eating and exercise habits. Self-monitoring involves recording food intake and intentional efforts to increase physical activity. Self-monitoring also involves recording environmental events associated with eating and exercise, for example, place and time of day; cognitive and emotional reactions, such ...