The idea that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of stimulation or arousal.

• A. Motivation
• B. Intrinsic Motivation
• C. Extrinsic Motivation
• D. Arousal Theory

Answer: (D)

Arousal theory states that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, a balance between being under-stimulated and overwhelmed. When arousal is too low, we seek stimulation—novelty, excitement, social interaction—to raise activation. When arousal is too high, we pull back and look for ways to reduce activation or avoid further stress. This explains why some people crave thrilling activities to feel more alert, while others prefer calm routines to prevent anxiety. The idea also ties into how performance tends to be best at a moderate level of arousal: not too little to cause inattention, not too much to cause distraction.