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An evolutionary theory of human motivation
Larry C Bernard1, Michael Mills, Leland Swenson
1Department of Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA. lbernard@lmu.edu
Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs
|June 20, 2006
Summary
This study presents a new evolutionary theory of human motivation, integrating biological, behavioral, and cognitive approaches. It proposes a measurable, hierarchical structure of motives linked to inclusive fitness and social problem-solving.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Historical psychological theories of motivation are competing and lack integration.
- Evolutionary principles offer a framework for understanding the adaptive functions of behavior.
- Previous research has linked motives to social problem domains and inclusive fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new, comprehensive theory of human motivation.
- To unify diverse psychological approaches to motivation.
- To provide a neuropsychological basis for understanding motivation, emotion, and self-control.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and competing perspectives on human motivation.
- Development of a new comprehensive theory based on evolutionary principles.
- Integration of biological, behavioral, and cognitive approaches.
Main Results:
- A new comprehensive theory of human motivation is proposed.
- The theory is based on evolutionary principles (Darwin, Hamilton, Trivers, Dawkins).
- It predicts a hierarchical, measurable structure of motives related to inclusive fitness.
Conclusions:
- The proposed theory unifies disparate approaches to motivation.
- It offers a neuropsychological framework for conscious and nonconscious processes.
- Individual differences in motives are hypothesized to solve adaptive problems for inclusive fitness.
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