The functional architecture of human motivation: Personality systems interactions theory

In this article, we present the theory of Personality Systems Interactions (PSI) as an overarching framework for analyzing the functional architecture of human motivation and personality functioning. Section 1 delineates how PSI theory integrates various traditional motivation theories into seven distinct levels of human motivation and individual differences thereof. Section 2 covers principles of PSI theory that determine how motivational systems, located at the same level or at different levels, interact with each other. Sections 3 and 4 show how these principles can explain two major paradoxes in motivation psychology, namely (a) people's frequent failure to act upon their best intentions, and (b) people's tendency to adopt goals that run counter to their personal preferences and needs. Section 5 discusses how PSI theory conceives of implicit motives as “switch boards” that connect motivational systems at different levels. Section 6 reports neuroscientific evidence supporting PSI theory. Finally, Section 7 reflects more broadly on PSI theory's key contributions to motivation science and its applications.