1 Psychology and human development1.8 Motivation
1.8.2 Physiological control of motivation
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Written by Resident Doctor Committee · Published
New in the 2027 syllabus
The College added this topic for exams from January 2027.
Homeostatic control
The hypothalamus combines signals from the body and links them to autonomic, endocrine and behavioural responses. These responses control hunger, thirst and temperature.
Thermoregulation compares thermal signals with what the body is set to maintain. It then adjusts heat production, heat loss and behaviour.
Temperature challenge | Physiological response | Motivated behaviour |
|---|---|---|
Cold | Vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and shivering | Seeking warmth and clothing |
Heat | Vasodilatation (widening of blood vessels) and sweating | Seeking shade, cooling and fluids |
Reward systems
Mesolimbic dopamine helps us learn about rewards and about the incentive value of cues (how strongly a cue draws us towards a reward). Dopamine activity is not a simple meter of pleasure.
Reward prediction error is the difference between the outcome expected and the one obtained. This signal updates the value of cues and actions.
Wanting and liking can come apart. Strong pursuit driven by cues does not mean the reward is still very pleasurable.
Homeostatic and reward signals interact. Physiological need changes the value of an incentive: food is worth more when you are hungry. Attractive cues can also drive consumption when there is no deficit.