Many studies have been done
to research the effects of motivation and mental
health. As the implications of helping those with negative
self-esteem, depression and anxiety are immense this is
certainly an area of research that deserves a great deal of
attention.
Psychology Online reports on a study investigating
the differences between INTERNAL and EXTERNAL MOTIVATION.
The report states that "Although our society is largely
extrinsically-motivated by external rewards such as money,
fame and power, research has indicated those who are
intrinsically-motivated by inner desires for creativity,
fulfillment and inner satisfaction are psychologically
healthier and happier."
How can this help you?
The study of health psychology seeks to understand
how our ability to cope with stress can help us to prevent
illness and promote health. Some of these coping mechanisms
are naturally inborn but may be taught to those who lack
them. Motivation is one of the tools that researchers are
trying to use as a combatant of negative stress reactions.
Motivation is something that we use every day. It's what
enables us to survive - to get food because we're hungry, to
go to work to pay the bills or to educate ourselves in order
to pursue a higher goal in life.
How we respond to life's demands can affect our overall
health. How are you classified?
The same report on Psychology Online identified those who
respond to life with negativity or anxiety as most likely to
deal with the physical affects of anger, guilt,
nervousness, frustration and fear. These emotions can cause
hypertension and high blood pressure which can lead to heart
attack or stroke. Other complications include ulcers,
arthritis, asthma and kidney disease.
Some therapists suggest that by using positive self-talk and
trying to restructure the WAY we look at events can offset
the physical and mental effects of dealing
with negative or stressful events in life.
Interestingly, people who tend to focus on themselves as the
controller of their fate - in fact 'self-motivated' - are
more likely to feel a sense of control when stressors affect
them. Instead of blaming something or someone else they have
the motivation to deal with a problem and look for a
reasonable solution. This positive behavior helps them to
achieve goals and find personal contentment.
Therapists try to teach patients how to emulate this
positive reaction to stress and use their motivation
as a source of empowerment. Learning to manage stress and
using motivation to set goals, work through a problem
or fix it can in turn promote better mental and
physical health.
