Low arousal theory

<p>The low arousal theory is a <a href="/facts/Psychology/duoqW7Sz">psychological</a> <a href="/facts/Theory/9vrNS1Rr">theory</a> explaining that people with <a href="/facts/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder/uSqjIyhd">attention deficit hyperactivity disorder</a> (ADHD) and <a href="/facts/Antisocial_personality_disorder/RK4jEtpT">antisocial personality disorder</a> seek self-stimulation by excessive activity in order to transcend their state of abnormally low <a href="/facts/Arousal/hUbmW1o2">arousal</a>. This low arousal results in the inability or difficulty to sustain attention on any task of waning stimulation or novelty, as well as explaining compulsive <a href="/facts/Hyperactivity/uSqjIyhd">hyperactive</a> behavior.
</p><p>A person with low arousal reacts less to stimuli than one without. This individual, according to Hare (1970) is "in a chronic state of 'stimulus-hunger'". To further explain, Mawson and Mawson (1977) claim that the individual needs more "<a href="/facts/Sensory_receptor/EwY1m2bV">sensory inputs</a>" to feel normal.
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Low arousal theory open-in-new

Low arousal theory