Increasing Motivation During Periods of Increased Isolation

Megan Lipsett, MA, Ph.D. student

Training Description

Motivational states, which represent a behavioral response to coordinate biological systems to attain goals, interact significantly with social connection. Social connection helps people regulate emotions, cope with stress and remain resilient during difficult times. Severing this social support as part of the necessary response to the COVID-19 pandemic can threaten an individual's sense of connectedness, which may take a considerable toll on mental health and motivation. This is due in part to our pervasive drive to form and maintain lasting, positive, and significant interpersonal relationships and because belongingness is a fundamental motivation, there is a need to identify novel forms of social connection and alternative (autonomous) practices to eliciting goal-oriented behavior. We will explore applicable social psychological theories and look at the key role of cognitive appraisal in implementing controllability awareness, reappraising stress, and managing overwhelm. Together, we will explore the role of…