The Role Of Affect In Motivation

Three papers, each with differing perspectives, were presented on the role of affect in motivation. Phyllis Tyson's paper emphasised current contributions from neuroscience. Florence Guignard explored the homeostatic function of affect and motivation in psychoanalytic treatment. Miguel Calmon du Pin e Almeida focused on the logic of psychoanalytic discourse as a motivator. Pedro Luzes, the Moderator, introduced the subject of the panel by reminding us that motivational systems are multi-determined and perform multiple functions. Freud's theory of affects, Luzes continued, presents us with two serious problems: affects that remain inside the body and love, which is considered a drive. Questioning whether Freudian concepts could be integrated with modern psychology, Luzes turned to the panel.

The first panellist, Phyllis Tyson, presented her paper, ‘Affect and motivation: how are they related?’ Tyson urged that we re-evaluate our basic psychoanalytic concepts using new scientific evidence. She began by reviewing affect and motivation in Freud's models of the mind. Early in Freud's theories, he concluded that affects were used to motivate protective, defensive behaviours. In 1895, he turned from neurophysiology to the principles of physics to understand brain functioning. Drive theory followed and affects were the discharge products of the drives. The structural model (1926) brought affects and ego functions together. As a signal of danger, affects could enhance adaptation or be traumatic.

In the second section of her paper, Tyson discussed contemporary challenges and the inherent contradiction in Freud's theory of signal anxiety. Since anxiety is both a danger signal and a driving force, anxiety motivates object-seeking as well as defensive behaviour. In this regard, signal theory led the way to other ideas about motivation such as biologically based attachment (Bowlby, 1960) or a wish for safety (Sandler, 1960) or for pleasurable experiences (Sandler & Sandler, 1978).