Motivation Mappings

Overview

This list represents a systematic mapping of human emotions to motivational categories derived from three major scientific theories in psychology and sociology. It demonstrates how the same emotion can drive different behaviors depending on the underlying motivational mechanism that is activated in a given context.  It is the foundational framework of the motivational tracking system on thetruthperspective.org.  

Theoretical Foundations

1. Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

Core Reference: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

Key Concept: Distinguishes between intrinsic motivation (inherent satisfaction) and various forms of extrinsic motivation along a continuum of self-determination, plus amotivation (lack of motivation).

Additional References:

  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications.
  • Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self‐determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331-362.

2. Institutional Theory

Core Reference: Scott, W. R. (2013). Institutions and organizations: Ideas, interests, and identities. Sage Publications.

Key Concept: Explains how institutions shape behavior through regulative (rules/laws), normative (values/norms), and cultural-cognitive (taken-for-granted beliefs) mechanisms.

Additional References:

  • DiMaggio, P. J., & Powell, W. W. (1983). The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields. American Sociological Review, 48(2), 147-160.
  • Meyer, J. W., & Rowan, B. (1977). Institutionalized organizations: Formal structure as myth and ceremony. American Journal of Sociology, 83(2), 340-363.

3. Social Cognitive Theory

Core Reference: Bandura, A. (2001). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 1-26.

Key Concept: Emphasizes reciprocal interaction between personal factors (including self-efficacy beliefs), environmental influences, and behavior in driving motivation.

Additional References:

  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. Freeman.
  • Bandura, A. (2006). Guide for constructing self-efficacy scales. Self-efficacy Beliefs of Adolescents, 5(1), 307-337.

Framework Contribution

This mapping reveals that:

  1. Context Determines Motivational Pathway: The same emotion (e.g., pride) can drive intrinsic enjoyment, ego protection, or performance demonstration depending on situational factors.
  2. Multiple Motivational Systems: Humans operate through multiple, sometimes competing motivational systems simultaneously.
  3. Predictive Value: Understanding which motivational framework is active can predict resulting behaviors and their sustainability.

Applications

This framework has implications for:

  • Organizational Psychology: Designing environments that activate optimal motivational pathways
  • Educational Settings: Understanding how emotional states influence learning motivation
  • Behavioral Change: Targeting appropriate motivational mechanisms for sustainable change
  • Social Policy: Recognizing how institutional structures shape emotional and motivational responses

Total Framework: 27 primary motivational categories with 23 subcategories, mapped to 80+ distinct emotions with behavioral examples, creating a comprehensive emotion-motivation matrix for understanding human behavior.

 

Here's the comprehensive mapping with examples and actions for each emotion in each motivational category:

Self-Determination Theory

Intrinsic Motivation - "Doing it for the love of it"

  • Joy/Happiness - Example: Feeling pure joy while painting - Action: Continue painting for hours without breaks
  • Amusement - Example: Laughing at a clever joke - Action: Share the humor with others
  • Bliss - Example: Feeling blissful during meditation - Action: Extend meditation sessions
  • Delight - Example: Delighted by a beautiful sunset - Action: Stop everything to fully experience the moment
  • Ecstasy - Example: Ecstatic while dancing to favorite music - Action: Dance with complete abandon
  • Enthusiasm - Example: Enthusiastic about learning guitar - Action: Practice guitar daily without external pressure
  • Excitement - Example: Excited about reading a new book - Action: Stay up late reading "just one more chapter"
  • Inspiration - Example: Inspired by a piece of art - Action: Create your own artistic work
  • Love - Example: Loving the process of gardening - Action: Spend weekends tending to plants
  • Wonder - Example: Wondering at the night sky - Action: Study astronomy as a hobby
  • Curiosity - Example: Curious about how things work - Action: Take apart devices to understand them
  • Interest - Example: Genuinely interested in history - Action: Visit museums and historical sites voluntarily
  • Beauty appreciation - Example: Appreciating architectural beauty - Action: Walk around cities to admire buildings

External Regulation - "Carrot and stick"

Reward-seeking:

  • Elation - Example: Elated about potential bonus - Action: Work extra hours to secure the bonus
  • Euphoria - Example: Euphoric about winning possibility - Action: Enter every contest to chase that high
  • Triumph - Example: Triumphant after beating competition - Action: Seek out more competitive situations
  • Anticipation - Example: Anticipating vacation reward - Action: Complete all tasks to earn the vacation

Punishment-avoidance:

  • Fear - Example: Fear of being fired - Action: Arrive early and stay late to avoid criticism
  • Anxiety - Example: Anxious about failing test - Action: Study frantically to avoid failure
  • Dread - Example: Dreading performance review - Action: Over-prepare documentation to avoid negative feedback
  • Panic - Example: Panicking about missing deadline - Action: Work through the night to meet deadline
  • Terror - Example: Terror of public embarrassment - Action: Over-rehearse presentation to avoid mistakes
  • Worry - Example: Worried about disappointing parents - Action: Choose safe career path to avoid conflict

Deadline-driven:

  • Stress - Example: Stressed about upcoming deadline - Action: Rush to complete project before time runs out
  • Tension - Example: Tense about time pressure - Action: Multitask frantically to beat the clock
  • Urgency - Example: Feeling urgent about expiring opportunity - Action: Drop everything to seize the moment

Introjected Regulation - "Guilt and shame-driven"

Guilt-based:

  • Guilt - Example: Guilty about not exercising - Action: Force yourself to go to gym despite not wanting to
  • Regret - Example: Regretting past laziness - Action: Overcompensate with excessive productivity
  • Remorse - Example: Remorseful about neglecting friends - Action: Make plans you don't really want to keep

Ego-driven:

  • Pride - Example: Pride threatened by criticism - Action: Defend your position even when wrong
  • Contempt - Example: Contemptuous of "lesser" people - Action: Volunteer to feel superior to those you help
  • Superiority - Example: Feeling superior to colleagues - Action: Show off knowledge in meetings

Should-based:

  • Obligation - Example: Feeling obligated to visit relatives - Action: Make duty visits despite preferring to stay home
  • Duty-bound feelings - Example: Feeling you should be more charitable - Action: Donate money while resenting the expectation

Identified Regulation - "Aligned with my values"

  • Hope - Example: Hopeful about making a difference - Action: Volunteer for causes you believe in
  • Determination - Example: Determined to help others - Action: Pursue healthcare career despite challenges
  • Resolve - Example: Resolved to live sustainably - Action: Change lifestyle to match environmental values

Integrated Regulation - "Being my authentic self"

  • Serenity - Example: Serene when living authentically - Action: Make life choices that align with your core self
  • Peace - Example: Peaceful when acting from integrity - Action: Speak truth even when it's difficult
  • Contentment - Example: Content with simple authentic life - Action: Choose meaningful work over high salary
  • Authenticity - Example: Feeling authentic in relationships - Action: Express genuine emotions instead of pretending

Amotivation - "Checked out/Don't care"

  • Boredom - Example: Bored with meaningless work - Action: Go through motions with minimal effort
  • Apathy - Example: Apathetic about outcomes - Action: Avoid making decisions or taking initiative
  • Dejection - Example: Dejected about life direction - Action: Withdraw from activities and opportunities
  • Depression - Example: Depressed about purpose - Action: Isolate and avoid responsibilities
  • Despair - Example: Despairing about making progress - Action: Give up on goals and stop trying
  • Melancholy - Example: Melancholy about lost opportunities - Action: Dwell on past instead of moving forward
  • Misery - Example: Miserable in current situation - Action: Remain stuck rather than change

Institutional Theory

Compliance Motivation - "Following the rules"

  • Obedience - Example: Obedient to company policies - Action: Follow every rule exactly as written
  • Submission - Example: Submissive to authority figures - Action: Defer to boss's decisions without question

Deterrent Motivation - "Fear of getting caught"

  • Paranoia - Example: Paranoid about being monitored - Action: Constantly check if you're being watched
  • Wariness - Example: Wary of breaking any rules - Action: Double-check every action for compliance

Incentive Motivation - "Chasing rewards"

  • Greed - Example: Greedy for institutional rewards - Action: Pursue every available bonus or recognition
  • Ambition - Example: Ambitious for institutional advancement - Action: Network aggressively for promotions

Moral Obligation - "Doing what's right"

  • Righteousness - Example: Righteous about ethical standards - Action: Report unethical behavior despite personal cost
  • Moral outrage - Example: Outraged by injustice - Action: Organize protests or advocacy campaigns
  • Indignation - Example: Indignant about unfair treatment - Action: File formal complaints or grievances
  • Elevation - Example: Elevated by others' moral courage - Action: Follow their example in your own actions

Social Expectation - "Meeting social norms"

  • Embarrassment - Example: Embarrassed by social misstep - Action: Conform more closely to social expectations
  • Humiliation - Example: Humiliated by public failure - Action: Avoid similar situations in the future
  • Shame - Example: Ashamed of not meeting gender roles - Action: Adopt more stereotypical behaviors
  • Social anxiety - Example: Anxious about social judgment - Action: Carefully monitor and adjust behavior to fit in

Professional Duty - "Job responsibilities"

  • Professional pride - Example: Proud of professional standards - Action: Exceed minimum requirements consistently
  • Duty - Example: Dutiful about professional obligations - Action: Work overtime to meet professional expectations

Reciprocity Obligation - "Returning favors"

  • Gratitude - Example: Grateful for colleague's help - Action: Offer assistance in return when they need it
  • Indebtedness - Example: Feeling indebted to mentor - Action: Pay forward their guidance to others

Mimetic Motivation - "Keeping up with the Joneses"

  • Envy - Example: Envious of neighbor's success - Action: Copy their strategies or lifestyle choices
  • Jealousy - Example: Jealous of colleague's recognition - Action: Adopt their methods to gain similar attention
  • Competitive spirit - Example: Competitive with peers - Action: Match or exceed their achievements

Identity-based Motivation - "Being true to who we are"

  • Dignity - Example: Maintaining organizational dignity - Action: Uphold institutional reputation even at personal cost
  • Honor - Example: Honoring institutional traditions - Action: Participate in ceremonies and rituals
  • Self-respect - Example: Self-respect tied to institutional role - Action: Fulfill duties that define your institutional identity

Social Cognitive Theory

Efficacy Expectations - "I can do this"

Task-specific confidence:

  • Confidence - Example: Confident in your coding skills - Action: Take on challenging programming projects
  • Assurance - Example: Assured of your teaching ability - Action: Volunteer to lead training sessions

General self-confidence:

  • Empowerment - Example: Empowered to make change - Action: Start new initiatives or organizations
  • Capability - Example: Capable of learning anything - Action: Pursue advanced degrees or certifications

Outcome Expectations - "This will lead to X"

Material outcomes:

  • Materialism - Example: Expecting wealth from hard work - Action: Work multiple jobs to increase income
  • Acquisitiveness - Example: Expecting to acquire status symbols - Action: Save money specifically for luxury purchases

Social outcomes:

  • Admiration-seeking - Example: Expecting admiration from achievements - Action: Share accomplishments on social media
  • Approval-seeking - Example: Expecting approval from conformity - Action: Adjust behavior to gain others' acceptance

Self-evaluative outcomes:

  • Self-satisfaction - Example: Expecting pride from accomplishment - Action: Set personal challenges to feel good about yourself
  • Self-approval - Example: Expecting self-respect from moral action - Action: Make ethical choices to maintain self-image

Collective Efficacy - "We can do this together"

  • Team spirit - Example: Belief team can win championship - Action: Practice harder and support teammates
  • Solidarity - Example: United with group cause - Action: Participate in group actions and mutual support
  • Unity - Example: Feeling unified with organization - Action: Sacrifice individual interests for group success

Performance Goals - "Showing off skills"

Approach performance:

  • Showing off - Example: Excited to demonstrate expertise - Action: Volunteer for high-visibility presentations
  • Demonstration pride - Example: Pride in displaying competence - Action: Seek opportunities to showcase abilities

Avoidance performance:

  • Performance anxiety - Example: Anxious about looking incompetent - Action: Avoid challenging tasks that might expose weaknesses
  • Fear of failure - Example: Afraid of public mistakes - Action: Stick to safe, familiar activities

Learning Goals - "Getting better"

  • Fascination - Example: Fascinated by complex problems - Action: Dive deep into challenging subjects
  • Intellectual excitement - Example: Excited by new concepts - Action: Pursue additional learning opportunities

Self-Monitoring - "Keeping track"

  • Self-awareness - Example: Aware of your progress patterns - Action: Keep detailed logs of behavior and outcomes
  • Mindfulness - Example: Mindful of your reactions - Action: Practice reflection and self-observation

Self-Evaluation - "Grading myself"

  • Self-criticism - Example: Critical of your performance - Action: Analyze mistakes and adjust strategies
  • Self-assessment - Example: Objectively evaluating abilities - Action: Seek feedback and compare to standards

Self-Reaction - "Self-rewards and punishment"

Self-reward:

  • Self-congratulation - Example: Proud of meeting goals - Action: Treat yourself to something special
  • Self-appreciation - Example: Appreciating your efforts - Action: Take time to acknowledge your progress

Self-punishment:

  • Self-loathing - Example: Disgusted with poor performance - Action: Deny yourself pleasures as punishment
  • Self-disappointment - Example: Disappointed in your choices - Action: Set stricter rules for yourself

Observational Learning - "Monkey see, monkey do"

  • Modeling desire - Example: Wanting to copy successful person - Action: Study and imitate their behaviors
  • Imitation urge - Example: Urge to replicate observed success - Action: Follow step-by-step what others did

Social Persuasion - "Cheerleading/Encouragement"

  • Encouragement - Example: Encouraged by others' belief in you - Action: Attempt challenges you wouldn't try alone
  • Motivation from others - Example: Motivated by mentor's support - Action: Push harder because someone believes in you

Vicarious Motivation - "Learning from others' wins and losses"

Vicarious success:

  • Inspiration from others - Example: Inspired by friend's achievement - Action: Set similar goals for yourself
  • Aspirational feelings - Example: Aspiring to match role model - Action: Adopt their practices and habits

Vicarious failure:

  • Cautionary feelings - Example: Cautioned by others' mistakes - Action: Avoid the paths that led to their failure
  • Warning emotions - Example: Warned by others' consequences - Action: Take preventive measures they didn't

Emotional Arousal - "Gut feelings drive action"

Positive arousal:

  • Exhilaration - Example: Exhilarated by challenge - Action: Seek more intense or difficult experiences
  • Energized - Example: Energized by possibility - Action: Channel energy into productive activity
  • Pumped up - Example: Pumped up for competition - Action: Push physical and mental limits

Negative arousal:

  • Agitation - Example: Agitated by obstacles - Action: Remove or fight against barriers
  • Restlessness - Example: Restless about inaction - Action: Take any action to relieve the feeling
  • Irritation - Example: Irritated by inefficiency - Action: Fix or improve systems that annoy you

Mood-dependent Motivation - "Feeling-driven behavior"

  • Moodiness - Example: Moody about work depending on day - Action: Work harder on good days, coast on bad days
  • Emotional volatility - Example: Actions changing with emotions - Action: Make impulsive decisions based on current feelings
  • Whimsical feelings - Example: Whimsical about daily activities - Action: Follow spontaneous impulses

Anticipated Affect - "Expecting to feel good/bad"

Anticipated pleasure:

  • Anticipation - Example: Anticipating joy from vacation - Action: Plan and save for the expected pleasure
  • Excitement about future - Example: Excited about future success - Action: Work toward the anticipated positive outcome

Anticipated regret:

  • Preemptive guilt - Example: Expecting to feel guilty if you don't act - Action: Take action to avoid future remorse
  • Future-focused anxiety - Example: Anxious about future disappointment - Action: Take preventive action to avoid anticipated negative feelings

Complex/Mixed Emotions

  • Nostalgia - Example: Nostalgic about college days - Action: Reconnect with old friends or return to meaningful places
  • Bittersweet - Example: Bittersweet about children growing up - Action: Cherish current moments while supporting their independence
  • Ambivalence - Example: Ambivalent about job change - Action: Gather more information before deciding
  • Poignancy - Example: Poignant moment of connection - Action: Express appreciation and deepen the relationship