Formal modelling and empirically-informed simulation of motive dynamics

Within an agent-based modelling (ABM) framework, we modelled motives as agents that act on their (interpersonal) environment as well as intrapsychically on other motives within the person according to a simple set of rules. The empirically informed motive dynamics were then simulated. We expected the simulations to show the theoretically predicted motive conflict patterns and to be consistent with the empirical data.

With this project we want to show that the application of ABM to intrapsychic processes is possible and profitable. Motives that serve to satisfy needs and orchestrate experience and behaviour can be regarded as autonomous agents that use local information according to simple rules. The resulting dynamic patterns of motive interactions are similar to the predictions of the clinical-psychological literature (approach-approach-conflicts; Grawe, 1998) and depend crucially on a person's motive structure. The preliminary empirical evaluation of the model was successful. In particular, the simulation results of the model predicted independent measures better than the input parameters of the model.

Agent-based models of intrapsychic processes such as motives are a starting point for computational clinical psychology and could inform other disciplines with regard to motivational aspects. For example, models of opinion dynamics that incorporate the satisfaction and protection of self-esteem or autonomy could be more realistic and informative than models that do not consider such psychological processes.