Motivation and the Brain

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Motivation and the Brain
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The Role of the Brain in Motivation

• Plays central role in motivation and emotion
• Needs
• Desires
• Cravings
• Pleasures
• Coordinates involvement of other bodily
  components and functions
• Major organs
• Biochemical agents

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The Role of the Brain in Motivation
Daily Experiences and Events
Biochemical Agents
Brain Structures
Motivational States
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Brain Structures involved in Approach Behaviors

• Hypothalamus
• Medial forebrain bundle
• Septal area
• Frontal lobes of cerebral cortex
• Left prefrontal cerebral cortex

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Brain Structures involved in Avoidance Behaviors

• Right prefrontal cerebral cortex
• Amygdala
• Hippocampus
• Frontal lobes of cerebral cortex

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Neurotransmitter Pathways involved in Motivation

• Dopamine gives rise to pleasurable feelings
  associated with reward
• Serotonin influences mood and emotion
• Norepinephrine regulates arousal and alertness
• Endorphin counters negative feelings associated
  with pain, anxiety, and fear