Need-Press Theory

Need-Press Theory explains how environmental factors influence behavior by combining an individual's needs with situational demands. "Needs" are personal drives or goals, while "press" refers to external pressures or stimuli in the environment that support or hinder achieving those needs. When the environment aligns well with a person's needs, they are more likely to act in ways that satisfy those needs. Conversely, conflicting or overwhelming environmental cues can cause stress or impede goal achievement. This theory helps us understand how both personal motivations and external conditions shape behavior in social and physical settings.