Deckers - Motivation

I would like to acknowledge that trying to understand the why of behavior is probably one of the most fascinating endeavors that a person can pursue. Thanks to Ball State University, it has been possible for me to do this. I would like to thank all former students in my motivation and emotion course who read the book and provided feedback. An appreciation also goes to my former colleagues, Thomas Holtgraves, David Perkins, Stephanie Simon-Dack, Anjolii Diaz, and Guy Mittleman, who were sounding boards for my ideas. An expression of gratitude goes to my wife, Cindy Ruman, for her expertise and help.

Fifth edition published 2018
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First edition published by Pearson Education, Inc. 2005
Fourth edition published by Routledge 2014

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ISBN: 978-1-138-03632-1 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-138-03633-8 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-17861-5 (ebk)

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The blessings of life are not equal to its ills, though the number of the two may be equal; nor can any pleasure compensate for the least pain.

Pliny the Elder, A.D. 77

Life is not/merely being alive, but being well.

Martial, A.D. 95

Simply put, stress moves people into action. It motivates them to manipulate stressors so as to alter their impact. And it also motivates behavior aimed at diminishing or removing stress (Baum & Posluszny, 1999). This is the main theme of this chapter, and the following questions can help guide your understanding:

1. When are life events stressful, and when are they not?
2. How do stressors affect people physically, psychologically, and behaviorally?
3. Can the appraisal of life events alter their impact on a persons well-being?
4. How can a person cope with life events and the stress they evoke?
5. Is coping a process that involves planning, execution, and feedback?