Intrinsic Motivation

Causes

Performing tasks and doing things for intrinsic reasons such as personal enjoyment, interest, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. In order to feel intrinsically motivated, a student must first feel a sense of competence (self-worth), sense of autonomy (control/choice), and a sense of belonging (relatedness). A sense of competence is when an individual is confident in their capabilities in an activity and know they can successfully perform certain skills. An individual has a high sense of autonomy when they engage in activities because they choose to for their own personal enjoyment, not because they feel pressure from external factors. Sense of belonging comes when the individual is sharing experiences with others and growing meaningful relationships.

Effects

The best kind of motivation. When intrinsically motivated, individuals are proactive in seeking new opportunities and challenges to persist until successful.