A motive tends to decrease in strength if it is either satisfied or blocked from satisfaction.
Need Satisfaction
When a need is satisfied, according to Abraham Maslow, it is no longer a motivator of behavior. High strength needs that are satisfied are sometimes referred to as "satisficed," that is, the need has been satisfied to the extent that some competing need is now more potent. If a high strength need is thirst, drinking tends to lower the strength of this need, and other needs may now become more important.
Blocking Need Satisfaction
The satisfaction of a need may be blocked. While a reduction in need strength sometimes follows, it does not always occur initially. Instead, there may be a tendency for the person to engage in coping behavior. This is an attempt to overcome the obstacle by trial and error problem solving. The person may try a variety of behaviors to find one that will accomplish the goal or will reduce tension created by blockage.
Initially, this coping behavior may be quite rational. Perhaps the person may even make several attempts in direction 1 before going to 2, and the same in direction 2 before moving in direction 3, where some degree of success and goal attainment is finally perceived.
If people continue to strive for something without success, they may substitute goals that can satisfy the need. For example, if a boy has a strong desire to play varsity basketball in high school but is continually cut from the squad, he may be willing eventually to settle for playing in the city recreation league.
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