To understand self-determination theory we need to understand intrinsic motivation.<\/b> A helpful place to start is to contrast intrinsic motivation <\/b>with extrinsic motivation. <\/b>Intrinsic motivation is the drive to pursue an action because it is inherently enjoyable or interesting to the individual.<\/p>\n
This is a personal interest or goal associated with the Lover archetype. It involves pursuing a passion or boosting your self-esteem through a creative endeavour, business project or goal that you will feel improve your self-esteem.<\/p>\n
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Conversely, extrinsic motivation refers to doing something based on external rewards or outcomes associated with that action (Ryan & Deci, 2000a). This is where you are motivated by an external source, either doing something for somebody else because it makes you feel good or having your confidence boosted by compliments which gives you the drive to keep going.<\/p>\n
Examples<\/b><\/h3>\n
To understand intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, here are some situational examples of each:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Much of the extensive early research on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation was done in the 1970s and 1980s by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan<\/a>, two psychologists interested in personality and behavioural self-regulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In 1985, their book Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior<\/i><\/span><\/a> formally introduced self-determination theory <\/b>(SDT). Self-determination theory was largely focused on factors that impact a sense of control over one\u2019s own life and understanding motivations and choices made without the influence of outside distractions or pressures (Deci & Ryan, 1985).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The body of research on SDT since its inception has focused on the kinds of social and cultural conditions and factors that can foster or inhibit healthy psychological development, self-regulation, and well-being.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In other words, what makes people engaged and energised in their daily lives and what holds them back? As you can imagine, understanding intrinsic motivation was a major pillar of work under the theory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A subtheory of SDT known as Basic Psychological Need Theory<\/span><\/a> conceptualises three main innate psychological needs. Accessing the three basic needs gives you more motivation to flourish, fuelling growth, fulfilment and enhanced enjoyment of life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Conversely, when the three basic needs are absent, undermined or challenged, stagnation and problem behaviour is more likely. Subsequently, individuals are less internally motivated and their well-being decreases.<\/p>\n Intrinsic motivation is classified as a high-quality sense of feeling that gives you the impetus to be wholeheartedly engaged in an activity that brings out your best self. The 3 innate psychological needs are:<\/p>\n The need for autonomy is a need for perceived control over your life and actions\u2014the sense that your behaviour is self-directed and your choices are self-determined. [Ruler<\/b>]\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n However, autonomy is deeper than simply having a sense of control; it is also concerned with a sense of personal integrity and authenticity. [Divine Child \u2014 in its full optimal healthy<\/b>]<\/p>\n The need for competence is associated with feelings of mastery and self-efficacy. Feeling capable and effective in an activity is indeed satisfying and can serve as a remedy to feelings of failure or inadequacy in another area. [Creator, Explorer<\/b>]<\/p>\n Interestingly, people demonstrate a greater motivation to succeed in a competence-supportive task, or something they\u2019re capable of doing, after experiencing competence frustration in a more challenging task (Fang et al., 2018).<\/p>\n Relatedness, or connection, is a third driver of intrinsic motivation. Relatedness helps individuals to internalise the values of the context or activity in which they are acting and generate a sense of purpose based on this connection. [Lover, Caretaker<\/b>]<\/p>\n Because of the need to maintain social connections with others and foster a sense of belongingness, we are motivated to act in a way that aligns with these relationships (Leary & Baumeister, 1995).<\/p>\n Being driven to seek novelty, be curious, and explore just for the sake of doing so is critical for human development. It makes us ready to learn about the world and develop skills without the explicit need for external rewards (Gottfriend, 1983).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, curiosity itself can be rewarding. William James noted that curiosity is \u201cthe impulse towards better cognition\u201d. It compels us to seek answers to things we don\u2019t know but have an interest in. This is why storytelling is such a good way to learn.<\/p>\n However, curiosity is only a motivating factor<\/span><\/a> if there is an internal drive; a desire to know. After all, most people don\u2019t know most things, and some people have no desire to improve their intellect.<\/p>\n\n
Intrinsic Motivation Theory<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n3 Innate Psychological Needs for Intrinsic Motivation<\/b><\/h2>\n
Autonomy<\/b><\/h3>\n
Competence\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Relatedness\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
Benefits of Intrinsic Motivation<\/b><\/h3>\n
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