Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Internal tension refers to the discomfort or uneasiness that arises when an individual's biological needs are not met, leading to a desire for motivation and behavior aimed at reducing this tension.
Homeostasis is the body's tendency to maintain stability and balance by constantly adjusting its internal conditions. For example, when we feel hungry (internal tension), our body motivates us to eat and restore homeostasis.
This theory suggests that motivated behavior arises from efforts to reduce physiological arousal caused by unmet needs. When we have an unmet need such as thirst (internal tension), we are motivated to drink water and reduce this drive.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: According to Maslow, human needs can be arranged in a hierarchical order. The basic physiological needs like food, water, and shelter create internal tensions that drive our motivation until they are met.