Touching the Void: Moitivational Theories

Touching the Void is an inspiring drool some the baron of the human depart. To my surprise, the film left me emotionally spent as it affected on the issues of friendship, mortality and survival. I am sure many of my classmates go forth agree that it is an amazing invention. But, for me, the thing that makes it truly inspirational is the way that Joe never gave up. In this brief paper I intend to show how self-importance Determination and Goal Setting possibility influenced Joes inspiring story of survival.Self Determination Theory Self-Determination Theory draws from the research that masses are inherently active organisms that strive for positive interactions with the environment (Class Lecture, February tertiary 2011). The theory suggests that peck have three psychological necessitys that moldiness(prenominal) be satisfied to initiate and regulate everyday behaviour. In addition, the theory also specifies that satisfaction of these needs also enhances intrinsic motivatio n (Deci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in pass through 2008).Intrinsic motivation is self-directed process which leads to more(prenominal) interest base behaviour rather than behaviour based on external rewards (Deci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in pass through 2008). The first psychological need is to feel a virtuoso of autonomy in performing an activity. self-governing behaviour involves having an internal locus of control and freedom to determine take behaviour. Autonomy is increased by having a choice, flexibility and opportunities for self armorial bearing (Reeve & Jang, 2006, as cited in Reeve 2008).The second need is having a sense of relatedness. This brush aside be achieved by having close relationships with people who care about you (Baumeister & Leary, 1995, as cited in Reeve 2008). The third fundamental need is to cover competence in relation to an activity. Competence is increased by savoury in activities that facilate optimal challenge and provides effective feedback (De ci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in Reeve 2008). Self Determination theory provides us with a very relevant frame work up to understand Joes behaviour during his fight to stay alive.As noted by Professor Nisbet in class, intrinsic motivation is broadly speaking inherent in people and, can flourish out of peoples need for autonomy, relatedness and competence. There are many benefits an individual can attain by embracing intrinsic motivation. One of these benefits is the importance of diligence on a challenging task (Deci & Ryan, 1985b, as cited in Reeve 2008). There are numerous occasions during the film which persistence on a task is evident. Immediately after Joe breaks his pin, it obvious the persistence train of two climbers begins to escalate.Although both men know that a broken leg during a mountain ascent is deally fatal, they still persistent and work toward the goals of reaching the bottom. Joe is in excruciating pain but he continues on simply because there are no other op tions. There comes a point in the film where Joe is alone, and he continues to fight even though his hope of survival is slipping. Joe describes a constant phonate in his guide that urges him to keep going. I believe that Joes inner voice re delivers his continued persistence and determination to survive.It is clear that Joes high level of persistence allowed him to push him forward when he felt like large up. Goal Setting Theory Goal setting theory is based on the idea that specific, difficult goals lead to higher task carrying into action than do easy goals (Locke & Latham, 1990 Mento, Steel & Karren, 1987 Tubbs, 1986, as cited in Reeve 2008). in the lead difficult and specific goals can raise performance, the concept of goal sufferance must take place within an individual. In general, the individual must decide either to accept or reject the goal.If the goal is both accepted, it will enhance performance and facilitate goal commitment (Erez & Kanfer, 1983, as cited in Reeve 2008). In addition, Because goals refer to a future perfect state, setting goals may uncover discrepancy between a present and ideal state. This mismatch between present and ideal state will motivate an individual to achieve an ideal state and modify an ineffectual plan if necessary. (Campion & Lord, 1982, as cited in Reeve 2008). Joes survival story is a testament to how to effective goal setting can be.With no food, no water frostbitten fingers, and a shattered leg Joe comes to the closure that if he wants to survive he must set definite targets for himself. go about with an enormous task, Joe consistently sets small specific, attainable goals to increase the chances of his survival. For example, Joe would challenge himself to weirdy to a particular rock within twenty minutes. When he got there, he set himself another goal, and then another. This is how Joes managed to mentally deal with the seemingly impracticable task of getting to the bottom of the mountain.In summary, To uching the Void is an dumfounding story of determination and persistence and it probably says more to me about goal-setting than anything else I have ever watched. By focusing on Joes 3 psychological needs and goal setting motives, we have learned more about the reasons why Joe never gave up. Although it may seem unrealistic to canvass how Joe survived a life and death ordeal to our ordinary lives, extreme stories like this help us understand what drives motivational behaviours in everyday situations.