Scientists identify fifteen key motives driving human behavior

Researchers have identified 15 key motives that drive human behavior. By analyzing people's views, preferences, and actions through an evolutionary lens, they demonstrated how these motives intertwine to shape habits and interpersonal relationships. The findings have been published in Personality and Individual Differences.

The question of what motivates human behavior has long intrigued psychologists. Various approaches are used to assess these underlying motives. The most well-known theory is Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, introduced in the mid-20th century. However, most approaches emphasize the social aspects of motivation while overlooking its evolutionary underpinnings.  

A group of researchers proposed analyzing human behavior motives from an evolutionary perspective. In the proposed framework, all motives are viewed as evolutionary adaptations that enhanced early humans' ability to survive in their environment and continue to influence behavior today. The scientists proceed from the premise that if certain evolutionary mechanisms once triggered specific behaviors, the underlying motives can be identified using standard psychometric techniques.

To accomplish this, the study authors conducted an online survey with over 500 participants who were asked to rate 150 statements concerning their everyday preferences, fears, desires, and social aspirations. The statements were based on previously identified motives from other studies reflecting physical, reproductive, or social needs, such as 'I enjoy going on roller coasters,' 'Eating is less important to me than it seems to be for most people,' and 'I spend a lot of time staying in touch with my friends,' among others.

Using network analysis, the researchers identified stable clusters of motives. The study found that human behavior is driven by 15 key motives, which can be grouped into five broad categories: environmental (Hoard, Create), physiological (Fear, Disgust, Hunger, Comfort), reproductive (Lust, Attract, Love, Nurture), psychological (Curiosity, Play), and social (Affiliate, Status, Justice).

The researchers also identified functional relationships between motives, contributing to a deeper understanding of motivational structures. For example, Justice has strong ties to Nurture and Curiosity, suggesting that it is a function of both concern for the welfare of others and a need to keep abreast of where anti-social behaviors might be occurring.

Interestingly, the motives of Play and Status emerged as pivotal points of connectivity, interacting extensively with other nodes, suggesting they influence a broad range of related motives. Status appears to be important as it facilitates the attainment of other goals by providing access to resources that enhance the chances of success in life, including attracting a partner. Maintaining status involves hoarding resources, fearing the loss of these resources, and effectively using them in various situations. The motive of play, in turn, helps develop the skills needed to maintain status and adapt to changing circumstances.

What the researchers say: “Using network-based psychometric techniques, we were able to observe how motives interrelate,” the lead author explained. “For instance, the motives of Love and Nurture are positioned close to each other in the network, which makes sense from an evolutionary perspective, as caring for offspring enhances their chances of survival. Conversely, the motives of Fear and Curiosity often have opposing effects. Fear keeps us away from danger, but when excessive, it can suppress curiosity, which fosters knowledge and innovation.”

The study also revealed age and gender related variations in the significance of different motives. Women tend to show a greater interest in the motives of Nurture and Comfort, while men are more likely to focus on the motives of Status and Attraction. The researchers note that these differences are linked to the traditional roles men and women played in our evolutionary past.

Age also contributes to shaping our priorities. Younger individuals tend to be more focused on Status and Play, while as people age, Fear and concern for Comfort become more prominent. “These changes reflect different life stages: initially, we strive to secure our place in society, and later, we focus on safety and survival,” the researchers said.

The study findings can be valuable in various fields, ranging from marketing to IT. For example, in advertising, understanding the motives of different social groups allows for more precise and effective communication. Youth focused on Status and Play are more likely to respond to incentives related to prestige and entertainment, while a more mature audience prioritizes safety, reliability, and comfort. In the field of AI, understanding evolutionary motives enables a more human-centered approach, offering gamification and social interaction for younger users, while emphasizing convenience and simplicity for the older generation. In therapy, understanding the underlying motives can help provide a more accurate response to the client's needs. For example, addressing anxiety can take into account the evolutionary mechanism of avoiding danger and help strike a balance between safety and curiosity.

“Ultimately, understanding the evolutionary motives that drive our behavior enables us to create solutions that make people's lives more comfortable, safer, and more interesting,” explained the lead researcher.

My take: The study results are very similar to our own categorization of the basic human drivers—what we call the CATS model. In this model the four basic motivators are the drive for Certainty (especially relationship certainty), Autonomy (the need to have a sense of being in reasonable control of important aspects of your life), Trust (without trust there is no possibility of a mutually dependent relationship), and Status (as the present researchers note, status and safety are closely linked).

These motivations drive the actions and decision-making of people of all ages and genders.