Handbook of Motivation Science

by James Y. Shah (Editor), Wendi L. Gardner (Editor), Alexander J. Rothman (Contributor)

Integrating significant advances in motivation science that have occurred over the last two decades, this volume thoroughly examines the ways in which motivation interacts with social, developmental, and emotional processes, as well as personality more generally. The Handbook comprises 39 clearly written chapters from leaders in the field. Cutting-edge theory and research is presented on core psychological motives, such as the need for esteem, security, consistency, and achievement; motivational systems that arise to address these fundamental needs; the process and consequences of goal pursuit, including the role of individual differences and contextual moderators; and implications for personal well-being and interpersonal and intergroup relations.

Genres: Psychology

638 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Corey Butler · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is material here for specialists, but as an overall handbook of motivation science, I was disappointed. Many of the contributions were only of marginal interest to me, and Susan Fiske's chapter on core motivations seemed trivial and even a little incoherent in its breadth. Her earlier article, "Five Core Social Motives, Plus or Minus Five" was better. Leary's article on belongingness was also not as good as some of his previous work. The only chapter I really enjoyed reading was Jean Twenge's article on how social exclusion leads to a loss of self-control.