Lance Armstrong's Theory Of Motivation

Motivation is described as “the influences that account for the initiation, direction, intensity and persistence of behaviour” (Psychology, Beinstein et al). Various factors motivate us to perform in certain ways, usually in order to achieve a goal. The different forces of motivation causes an array of behaviours and generally, the exercised actions correlates to what will help the individual achieve their desired goal. There are many theories of motivation which explain the reasoning behind our decisions and what drives us to do certain things. In the case of Lance Armstrong, there are numerous different internal and external forces, such as incentives and personal motives, which may have motivated him to use enhancement drugs. Throughout

‘The Incentive Theory’ is a very plausible theory which suggests reasoning behind Armstrong’s decision to cheat, in order to win the Tour de France. The theory differs from many motivation theories, as it depicts the stimulus as something which the individual wants and is drawn to, rather than something that should be prevented or extinguished, which is the case in Drive Reduction Theories. The Incentive Theory is based on external motivational factors and the idea that we are motivated to achieve pleasant, beneficial inducements and experiences, and avoid undesirable stimuli. This theory is relevant to the case of Lance Armstrong, as his incentives to win the Tour de France competition would be c very desirable stimuli, as with winning the competition, he would achieve the title of ‘victor’, fame, wealth, prestige and would be idolised in the world of cycling, he would also avoid the humiliation and drop in self-esteem that may occur if he lost the competition. These very attractive outcomes coupled with the negative prospects associated with losing can be seen as extremely powerful incentives, which would motivate Armstrong to go extreme lengths, such as taking performance enhancing drugs, in order to

Based on this research, it could be suggested that Lance Armstrong placed emphasis on the needs for Achievement, Recognition and Exhibition. In 1996, Lance Armstrong developed testicular cancer, which he overcame. After recovering, Armstrong stated he adapted a “win-at-all-costs mentality.” The wish to fulfil these needs, coupled with his mentality of winning at any cost, could also be considered reason as to why Armstrong chose to cheat. As well as this, after surviving testicular cancer, Armstrong could have also developed a strong sense of self-determination to overcome any obstacle he is faced with, and not only overcome, but defeat it. Consequently, with Armstrong’s requirement to fulfil his needs of achievement, recognition and exhibition, his self-determination and his win-at-all-costs mindframe, cheating may have seemed like a desirable