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
In psychology, "push" refers to the idea that our behavior is driven by biological needs that compel us to take action in order to fulfill specific goals.
Related terms
Innate Motivation: Innate motivation refers to behaviors that are instinctive or naturally driven, such as seeking food when hungry or seeking warmth when cold.
Drive reduction theory suggests that physiological needs create an internal state of tension (drive) which motivates us to engage in behaviors aimed at reducing those needs and restoring balance.
Homeostasis refers to the body's tendency to maintain internal stability by regulating various physiological processes. When there is an imbalance, such as hunger or thirst, homeostatic mechanisms motivate us towards actions that restore equilibrium.