Motivation Evaluation

Julie A. Carlson
February 22, 2011
PSY/ 230 Theories of Personality Instructor: Chris Allen Shreve, MA, LPC

Page 1 Motivation Evaluation

Motivation Evaluation of Senator Scott Brown

Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown authored his auto-biography entitled, Against All Odds, detailing his experiences of being sexually molested and abused as a child. The motivation for his decision to write about the abuse he suffered may be explained by using the three psychological views of motivation; psychoanalytic, humanistic, and diversity.

According to the psychoanalytical theory of motivation, Senator Browns decision to reveal his childhood abuse can be explained by his unconscious desire to expose experiences that threaten his mental well-being. Keeping these repressed memories caused great internal conflict, so by exposing them he alleviates the anxiety that results from the conflict. It could also be argued that the senator desires to win re-election and the book may help readers identify with him, possibly swaying their vote. This would ensure his financial survival.

The humanistic theory of motivation would explain Senator Browns decision as taking a step closer towards maximum potential and self-actualization. His physiological needs met, as well as his safety needs. He has been educated and achieved political success and respect as a United States Senator. His need for love, acceptance, and belonging, however, have not been totally fulfilled as he harbors a basic distrust for people, and most likely intimacy issues, as a result of being abused by adult caregivers. His decision to make the abuse known gives him an opportunity to reach a higher level of intimacy with his wife, parents, and children.

The diversity theory of motivation may explain his decision as satisfying a need for succorance. The need for succorance is taken from Henry Murrays Theory of Needs. The need to be consoled and supported from the people he is closest to could not happen until he

revealed his experiences to them. Senator Brown exhibits high power motivation through holding an elected office and having a collection of expensive possessions. This decision could also be seen as taking a huge risk to achieve higher visibility.