drive

1. a generalized state of readiness precipitating or motivating an activity or course of action. Drive is hypothetical in nature, usually created by deprivation of a needed substance (e.g., food), the presence of negative stimuli (e.g., pain, cold), or the occurrence of negative events. Drive is said to be necessary for stimuli or events to serve as reinforcers.

2. in the classical psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, a concept used to understand the relationship between the psyche and the soma (mind and body); drive is conceived as having a somatic source but creating a psychic effect. Freud identified two separate drives as emerging from somatic sources: libido and aggression. See also motivation; object relations.

3. see Carver and White’s BIS/BAS scales.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drug

any of a group of CNS depressants that have been developed for therapeutic use because of their calming effect (i.e., sedative) and ability to induce sleep (i.e., hypnotic) and reduce anxiety (i.e., anxiolytic). They include the barbiturates, meprobamate, and the benzodiazepines. At low doses, these drugs are prescribed for daytime use to reduce anxiety; at higher doses, many of the same drugs are prescribed as sleeping pills. Although efficacious when used sparingly, over the long term all induce marked tolerance, and cessation of use can precipitate potentially life-threatening withdrawal phenomena. Acute abuse can yield dangerous intoxication effects, and chronic abuse can cause a range of serious, irreversible conditions.