This motivational theory, prominent in psychology, posits that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need. Essentially, behavior is motivated by the desire to reduce internal tension caused by unmet biological needs, such as hunger, thirst, or the need for warmth. For instance, feeling hungry (the drive) motivates a person to eat, thereby reducing the hunger and restoring a state of equilibrium.
The significance of this framework lies in its attempt to explain a wide range of behaviors as stemming from basic biological imperatives. It provides a simple, intuitive model for understanding how internal states influence actions. Historically, this approach was influential in the early development of motivational psychology, offering a parsimonious explanation that emphasized the body’s homeostatic mechanisms as drivers of behavior. While influential, it has been largely superseded by more comprehensive theories that account for the influence of cognitive and social factors on motivation.