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