Human Motivation

Motivation is what drives human behavior, influenced by both our biology and the world around us.
The Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation explores this complexity through major psychological theories.
It covers Self-Determination Theory, Control Theory, Social Learning, and even Terror Management Theory.
The book dives into key topics like flow, curiosity, ego-depletion, and implicit motives.
There’s a strong focus on goals—how we set them, regulate them, and pursue them consciously or unconsciously.
It contrasts outcome-focused thinking with process-driven motivation.
Biological insights include how mood, cardiovascular responses, and the brain influence motivation.
It also explores how motivation plays out in relationships and everyday experiences.
Applications span diverse areas like work, education, psychotherapy, sports, and physical activity.
Altogether, it offers a powerful look at what moves us from intention to action.