21/09/2025
Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive to engage in an activity because it is inherently satisfying, enjoyable, or personally rewarding, rather than being driven by external factors like rewards or pressure.
Key features of intrinsic motivation:
1. Autonomy: This refers to the feeling of being in control of one's own actions and decisions. When individuals feel autonomous, they perceive their actions as stemming from their own choices and desires, rather than external compulsion, which significantly boosts their intrinsic motivation.
2. Mastery: Mastery is the desire to improve one's skills, learn new things, and achieve competence in an area. The motivation comes from the satisfaction of developing expertise and seeing one's abilities grow, leading to continuous self-improvement.
3. Purpose: This feature highlights the importance of aligning one's activities with personal values or contributing to something meaningful. When an activity provides a sense of personal satisfaction or contributes to a larger goal that resonates with an individual's beliefs, it enhances intrinsic motivation.
4. Enjoyment: Enjoyment emphasizes that the process of engaging in the activity itself is inherently rewarding and pleasurable. The activity is pursued not for an external outcome, but for the positive experience and satisfaction derived from the act of doing it.