Part 6/16:
Biologically, the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in motivation by initiating goal-directed behaviors through various nuclei responsible for different needs such as eating, drinking, reproduction, and defense. From the hypothalamic perspective, motivation primarily functions to set goals: I am hungry, I want to reproduce, I am in danger. These goals then frame perceptions and actions, honing attention on relevant stimuli—zeroing out irrelevant information.
Emotions, in this schema, serve as feedback signals indicating progress towards these goals. Positive emotions emerge when progress is made, reinforcing the behavior; negative emotions, such as frustration, anxiety, or pain, arise when obstacles prevent goal attainment or threaten survival.