Some Data Inconsistent with the Optimal Arousal Theory of Motivation

Abstract

67 undergraduates were asked to rate a list of 50 varied situations in terms of degree of felt arousal and affective tone associated with that level of arousal. 11 situations were generally judged to be highly pleasurable in felt arousal; 4 of these had a very high average on the arousal scale, 4 a very low average, and 3 an intermediate average. These results were considered inconsistent with what one might expect from optimal arousal theory, but compatible with a new theory of Smith and Apter (1975).