A surfer is about to attempt to ride the biggest wave she has ever seen. Her heart is pounding with fear, and she is not sure if she can make it without wiping out, but she attempts to ride the wave anyway. Explain this behavior in terms of the following theories of motivation and emotion.
a. Achievement motive
b. Arousal theory
c. Maslow's hierarchy of needs
d. Cannon-Bard thalamic theory
e. Opponent-process theory
a. Achievement motive: This theory suggests that individuals are motivated to accomplish challenging goals and strive for success. The surfer's attempt to ride the biggest wave she has ever seen can be explained by her achievement motive, as she wants to accomplish this feat and overcome her fear.
b. Arousal theory: According to this theory, individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal. The surfer may be seeking the thrill and excitement of riding a big wave, which increases her arousal levels. Her fear and the uncertainty of being able to ride the wave without wiping out contribute to her increased arousal.
c. Maslow's hierarchy of needs: This theory proposes that individuals are motivated by a series of needs, arranged in a hierarchical manner, and they strive to satisfy these needs in order to reach self-actualization. In this case, the surfer's attempt to ride the big wave can be seen as a pursuit of self-actualization, as she is engaging in a challenging and potentially life-altering experience.
d. Cannon-Bard thalamic theory: This theory suggests that emotions and bodily responses occur simultaneously, rather than one causing the other. In this situation, the surfer's fear and pounding heart can be understood as a simultaneous occurrence, where her perception of the intimidating wave triggers both the experience of fear and the physiological response of increased heart rate.
e. Opponent-process theory: This theory proposes that emotions are regulated by both primary and opposing secondary processes. The surfer may experience a mix of positive and negative emotions when attempting to ride the big wave. While fear and uncertainty are the primary emotions, the thrill and excitement she anticipates during the ride serve as opposing secondary emotions, motivating her to ride the wave despite the fear.