Different types of motivation
There are seven different types of motivation:
- Intrinsic motivation: This refers to motivation that comes from within, where an individual is driven to engage in an activity because it is inherently enjoyable or satisfying.
- Extrinsic motivation: This refers to motivation that comes from external factors such as rewards, punishments, or pressure from others.
- Self-determination theory: This theory propose three types of intrinsic motivations which are: Autonomy, relatedness and competence. Autonomy refers to the need for control over one's own life, relatedness refers to the need for connection with others and competence refers to the need to feel effective and capable.
- Fear-based motivation: This refers to motivation that arises from a fear of failure or negative consequences.
- Goal-oriented motivation: This refers to motivation that is directed towards achieving a specific goal or outcome.
- Power motivation: This refers to motivation that arises from the desire to exert control or influence over others.
- Attitude motivation: This refers to motivation that arises from one's attitudes or beliefs about a particular activity or task.
It's important to note that these types of motivations can overlap and interact with each other in complex ways, and that the specific motivations that drive an individual can change over time.
Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity because it is inherently enjoyable or satisfying. It is an internal drive that comes from within an individual, rather than from external factors such as rewards, punishments, or pressure from others.
Some examples of activities that may be intrinsically motivating include:
- Playing a musical instrument because you enjoy the process of creating music
- Reading a book because you find the story engaging
- Solving a puzzle because you find the challenge satisfying
- Practicing a sport because you enjoy the physical activity and sense of accomplishment.
Intrinsic motivation is thought to be a key driver of long-term engagement and persistence in an activity, as it is not dependent on external factors.
Research has shown that intrinsic motivation is related to better performance, greater creativity, and higher levels of well-being. Additionally, it has been found that activities that are perceived as interesting, enjoyable and self-determined are more likely to be pursued and persist in the long term.
On the other hand, extrinsic motivation, which is based on external rewards and punishments, can undermine intrinsic motivation by making the activity less enjoyable and less self-determined.
| Different types of motivation — recommended articles |
| Path goal theory — Acquired needs theory — Social cognitive theory — Attitudes and behaviour — Expectancy theory — Job characteristics — Motivation — Cultural values — Psychological drives |
