Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Intrinsic motivation refers to behavior driven by internal rewards such as personal satisfaction or enjoyment derived from performing an activity itself rather than for some external reward.
This is motivation driven by external rewards such as money, fame, grades etc., or punishments like criticism or fear of failure.
Self-Determination Theory (SDT): A theory of motivation that emphasizes the role of three universal needs – autonomy (self-control), competence (mastery), and relatedness (connection with others) – in driving human behavior.
Flow State: A mental state where one becomes fully immersed and focused on an activity they enjoy leading them to lose sense of time and self-consciousness. It often occurs when there's balance between challenge level and skill level involved in an activity.