Optimal arousal is a psychological construct referring to a level of mental stimulation at which physical performance, learning, or temporary feelings of wellbeing are maximized (Smith 1990). It can also be described as the degree of energy release and the intensity of readiness.
What are the levels of arousal?
The level of mental arousal is the level of excitement, anticipation, stress, aggression, apprehension and nervousness .
What is an example of optimal arousal?
What Is Arousal Theory of Motivation? ... When our arousal levels drop below these personalized optimal levels, we seek some sort of stimulation to elevate them. For example, if our levels drop too low we might seek stimulation by going out to a nightclub with friends .
What is optimal level theory in psychology?
The optimal stimulation level is the amount of stimulation individuals seek in life . In theories which consider human actions will be affected by motivational tendencies, the concept that for achieving a favorable stimulation level, social practices stimulated by pure desire plays a significant role.
What is the optimal level of arousal theory and how does it relate to the Yerkes Dodson law or inverted U model in regards to motivation How does this relate to the flow theory?
Yerkes and Dodson hypothesized that as arousal increases, the ability to form a habit or perform a task well also increases . It gives you sufficient motivation. But that works only up to a certain point, known as the optimal level. As arousal surpasses that point, your performance begins to deteriorate.
What is arousal state?
Affect arousal describes the state of feeling awake, activated, and highly reactive to stimuli . There are both psychological and physiological components to the state of arousal. Psychologically, the state of arousal is associated with the subjective experience of feelings including high energy and tension.
How can I lower my arousal levels?
- Preparation, including proper positioning and a quiet environment.
- Tightening and relaxing each muscle group while focusing on the differences in sensations.
- Relaxing fully and breathing slowly and deeply following the tensing of each muscle group.
At what time of day is energetic arousal highest?
Thayer found that arousal varies with time of day, for many of us being highest around noon and lower in the morning and evening.
What is emotional arousal?
Emotional Arousal is a state of heightened physiological activity . This includes having strong emotions like anger and fear and we go to the emotional arousal state in response to our daily experiences. For example the fight, flight or freeze response is a state of emotional arousal.
What are two types of arousal control?
- Physical. If you’re more physical, you may find that you become most aroused in response to physical closeness or touch. ...
- Visual. ...
- Audial. ...
- Cognitive. ...
- Relational. ...
- Emotional.
What does the optimal level of arousal depends on?
But optimal arousal level is more complex than a simple answer that the middle level is always best. Researchers Robert Yerkes (pronounced “Yerk-EES”) and John Dodson discovered that the optimal arousal level depends on the complexity and difficulty of the task to be performed (Figure 4).
What is the Yerkes Dodson Law of arousal?
According to what is known as “The Yerkes-Dodson law,” performance increases with physiological or mental arousal (stress) but only up to a point . When the level of stress becomes too high, performance decreases. There’s more: The shape of the curve varies based on the complexity and familiarity of the task.
How does optimal arousal affect performance?
As arousal increases so does the level of performance, but only until a certain point which is usually around moderate arousal levels. Once past a moderate arousal level performance decreases. This is due to participants in sport becoming anxious if they are over aroused and there performance suffers as a consequence.
What is the catastrophe theory arousal?
CATASTROPHE THEORY. Physiological arousal is related to performance in an inverted ‘U’ fashion when the athlete is not worried or has low cognitive anxiety state anxiety. If cognitive anxiety is high, the increases in arousal pass a point of optimal arousal and a rapid decline in performance occurs (the catastrophe).
What is inverted U curve?
The Inverted-U Theory illustrates the relationship between pressure and performance . Also known as the Yerkes-Dodson Law, it explains how to find the optimum level of positive pressure at which people perform at their best. Too much or too little pressure can lead to decreased performance.
What is the relationship between arousal and performance?
The Yerkes-Dodson Law suggests that there is a relationship between performance and arousal. Increased arousal can help improve performance, but only up to a certain point. At the point when arousal becomes excessive, performance diminishes .
