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
Inner motivation refers to the drive or desire that comes from within oneself to engage in a behavior, pursue a goal, or achieve personal satisfaction. It is driven by internal factors such as personal values, interests, and aspirations.
Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in a behavior because it is personally rewarding or enjoyable. It involves doing something for its own sake rather than for external rewards.
Self-determination theory suggests that people are motivated by three innate psychological needs - autonomy (feeling in control), competence (feeling capable), and relatedness (feeling connected with others).
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes that individuals have different levels of needs, starting with physiological needs at the base (e.g., food, water) and progressing towards self-actualization at the top (fulfilling one's potential). Inner motivation aligns with the concept of self-actualization.