After a critical analysis of dominant theories regarding motivation-cognition relationships the author introduces several principles which regulate cognitive-motivation sequences in the behavioral continuum. According to the first principle high tension states and high degree of cognitive distortion are correlated to each other in the same way as low tension states and `openness to the world'. Another principle defines some divergences from this principle as existing in existential conflict where high degree of `openness to the situation' is correlated with high tension state. Although these divergences are unusual events in human life in the same way as `real openness' correlated to low tension, the normative function of this `openness' can be demonstrated by own and others' findings.