Motivation – Mechanisms of the Mind and their Quest for Expression

Introduction to a Study on a Theoretical Model of the Process of Motivation

Menno A. Mennes

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2025
• Topic: Psychology
• eBook ISBN:
  9781040786901
• Subtopic: Personal Success
• Index: Psychology

This volume presents a first introduction to a thought-provoking Model of Motivation developed by Menno Mennes over a period of almost thirty years. The Model of Motivation in its approach presents a radical departure from everything that has appeared so far in literature on the subject.

And yet, it provides a surprisingly detailed account of how motivation works, which appears to be supported by findings from theories and research from current literature. In an unparalleled analysis, the Model seamlessly integrates these major theories into a consistent comprehensive approach to motivation, explaining not only the essentials of each theory, but also providing explanations for controversies that have hitherto remained largely unresolved.

Motivation appears to be an 'inner dialogue', a stepwise, partly cyclical Process in which we deal with our surroundings that often interfere in our ambitions, our wishes and desires. Deep personal insights into those 'Mechanisms of the Mind' reveal implications that may lead to a fundamental, new understanding of the origins of many disturbing issues we witness in present-day society, including neglect and denial, intolerance, discord and polarization.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Series on Motivation
• A Note to the Reader
• A Preliminary Overview of the Content of this Book
• Prologue
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 A Room with a View: Phase 1 - A Phase of Expectancies
• Chapter 2 An Act of Will…: Phase 2 - A Phase of Effort
• Chapter 3 In Pursuit of Success…: Phase 3 - A Phase of Internally Evoked Self-Assessment
• Chapter 4 Reality and its Discontents: Phase 4 - A Phase of Reality
• Chapter 5 Repercussions: Phase 5 - A Phase of Impact
• Chapter 6 Truth and Contemplation: Phase 6 - A Phase of Externally Evoked Self-Assessment
• Chapter 7 Making Sense (and Sensibility): Phase 7 - A Phase of Anticipated Change
• Chapter 8 In Search of Redemption: Phase 8 - A Phase of Dedication
• Chapter 9 Preserving Balance: A Second Cycle
• Chapter 10 Mechanisms of the Mind: A Sequence of Subsequent Cycles
• Chapter 11 The Quest for Expression: Stratagems of Coping
• Chapter 12 The Abyss of our Time: Stratagems of Collective Coping
• Summary: Motivation: Mechanisms of the Mind and their Quest for Expression
• Epilogue
• Postscript
• References
• Index: Abbreviated Subject Index of Main Concepts and Constructs
• Photo Credits
• About the Author