Arousal Theory

Arousal Theory helps explain the motivation for behaviors that do not reduce or psychological needs. Curiosity driven behaviors, suggest that too little stimulation can motivate people to seek a higher level of arousal. For example a young child that investigates every accessible room of his or her house. Human motivations aim not to eliminate arousal but to seek optimal levels of arousal. When we have our needs satisfied we feel the drive to experience stimulation. When we lack stimulation we feel board and look for ways to increase arousal. Although with too much stimulation comes stress and then we look for ways to decrease arousal.