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.
Achievement motive
Arousal theory
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Cannon-Bard thalamic theory
Opponent-process theory
1. Achievement motive: The surfer may be motivated by a desire to challenge herself and achieve a sense of accomplishment by riding the biggest wave she has ever seen. The achievement motive drives individuals to set and accomplish challenging goals, and in this case, the surfer's desire to conquer her fears and successfully ride the wave may be motivating her to take the risk.
2. Arousal theory: The surfer's experience of fear and excitement as her heart pounds with anticipation of riding the big wave can be explained by arousal theory. According to this theory, individuals are motivated to seek an optimal level of arousal, which can vary from person to person. The surfer may be seeking the adrenaline rush and sense of excitement that comes from facing a challenging situation, despite the fear she may be feeling.
3. Maslow's hierarchy of needs: The surfer's decision to attempt to ride the big wave can be understood in terms of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. At the base of the hierarchy are physiological needs, such as survival and safety, which may be threatened by attempting to ride such a large wave. However, higher in the hierarchy are esteem and self-actualization needs, which involve personal growth, achievement, and overcoming challenges. By attempting to ride the wave, the surfer may be striving to fulfill these higher-level needs.
4. Cannon-Bard thalamic theory: According to this theory, emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously, rather than one causing the other. In this case, the surfer's pounding heart and fear are occurring in response to the sight of the big wave, but they are not causing her to attempt to ride it. The surfer's decision to ride the wave may be driven more by her desire for achievement and thrill-seeking.
5. Opponent-process theory: This theory suggests that emotions come in pairs, with one emotion causing the other to counteract it. In this case, the surfer may be experiencing fear as the primary emotion in response to the challenge of the big wave, but the excitement and thrill of attempting to ride it may be an opponent process emotion that is driving her to take the risk despite her fear.