Sources of motivation / Self-determination

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Physiological source of motivation

Driven by biological needs (Eg. Hunger, thirst, sleep, sexual drive)

Cognitive source of motivation

Driven by mental processes, asrise from a desire to achieve specific goals, solve problems or satisfy curiosity

Emotional source of motivation

Driven by feelings, motivations tend to pull towards positive or pleasurable experiences and away from negative or painful ones

Social source of motivation

Driven by social instructions and contexts

Self Determination Theory (Researchers and year)

Edwards Deci and Richard Ryan, 1985

Self-determination theory

Emphasises the importance of intrinsic motivation and internal psychological needs, compared to the external stimuli and reinforcements focused on in behaviourism

Two assumptions of SDT

• Need for growth drives behaviour

• Autonomous motivation is important

Amotivation

Individuals are neither intrinsically or extrinsically motivated

Extrinsic motivation

Performing a behaviour to achieve an outcome

External regulation

Behaviour is controlled by external rewards or punishments

Introjected regulation

Behaviour is driven by internal pressures

Identifed regulation

Recognising the value of a behaviour

Integrated regulation

Behaviour aligns with the values and needs of the individual

Intrinsic Motivation

Performing a behaviour for its inherent satisfaction or because it is enjoyable. Driven by internal rewards.

Psychological needs for motivation

Foster intrinsic motivation and wellbeing in self-determination theory

Autonomy

The need to feel in control of our own behaviours and goals.

When people feel like they are acting out of their own volition and willingness

They are more likely to be intrinsically motivated

Competence

Involves a sense of mastery and the ability to accomplish tasks

Feeling competent enhances intrinsic motivation by

making activities feel rewarding and engaging

Relatedness

feeling connected, cared for and a sense of belonging

Intrinsic motivation and overall wellbeing can be enhanced by

Fostering relationships and a sense of community

Strengths of Social Determination Theory

• SDT integrates intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and accounts for the effects of each on behaviour

• Identifies three fundamental psychological needs

• Supported by extensive empirical research

• Various practical application in education, healthcare sports etc

Limitations of Social Determination Theory

• Difficult to measure

• Research predominantly undertaken in western cultures

• Places too much emphasis on autonomy

• Overlooks unconscious motives and emotions, drives and needs that influence behaviour

Hierarchy of needs (Researcher and Year)

Maslow, 1954,1970

Categories of Human needs

Deficiency and Growth needs

Categories of deficiency needs

Basic and Psychological needs

Maslow suggested that

people are motivated to fulfill needs in a hierarchal order

When a need is satisfied

the next level becomes more prominent in motivating an individuals behaviour.

Originally, it was emphasised that

the needs must be fulfilled in the hierarchal order

Some situations are exceptions

as the order is not as rigid for all people

Changes in life circumstances might mean

an individual moves back down the hierarchy

Deficiency needs

Arise from deprivation

Growth needs

stem from desire to develop as a person

Self-actualisation is

the pinnacle of growth needs

Physiological needs

The most fundamental needs for human survival (Food, water, sexual drive). When unmet, they are the primary drivers of human behaviour.

Safety needs

Focused on finding security, establishing stability, a sense of control, and seeking protection from harm

Love and belongingness needs

Centred around meaningful and intimate relationships and connections with others – to love and be loved

Esteem needs

Relate to how good individuals feel about themselves and how they are perceived by others, leading to a sense of confidence, accomplishment and recognition

Self-actualisation

Realisation of personal potential, self-fulfilment, and the seeking of personal growth

Additional levels added in 1970 to Hierarchy of Needs

Cognitive, aesthetic and transcendence.

Cognitive Needs

Based on stimulation and a quest for knowledge. Associated with intellectual curiosity, exploration and the pursuit of meaning

Aesthetic Needs

Related to the appreciation of beauty, balance, harmony and form in artistic experiences and surroundings

Transcendence Needs

Related to the pursuit of spiritual fulfilment, helping others reach their potential, and experiences that transcend the individual ego

Expanded hierarchy of needs (descending)

1. Transcendance

2. Self-actualisation

3. Aesthetic Needs

4. Cognitive Needs

5. Esteem Needs

6. Belonging and Love Needs

7. Safety Needs

8. Physiological Needs

Characteristics of a self-actualised person (according to Maslow)

• Genuinely humble and authentic

• Maintains integrity despite social pressure

• Focuses on meaningful, humanitarian goals

• Seeks peak experiences

• Upholds strong moral values

• Respects diversity and individuality

• Independent and self-reliant

Strengths of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

• it considers a broad range of human needs, offering a comprehensive view of human motivation

• its focus on personal growth and fulfilling one’s potential through self-actualisation has strongly influenced the Humanistic approach to psychology

• it has wide applications in psychology, education, business, and healthcare for understanding and supporting human motivation and wellbeing

Limitations of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

• there is limited empirical/scientific evidence to support the theory

• self-actualisation is somewhat subjective, making it difficult to measure or define consistently

• the theory simplifies the complexity of human motivations and overemphasises internal drives, neglecting the role of external factors

• It reflects Western, individualistic values, which may not apply across all cultures

Maslow updated his model

to provide a more comprehensive understanding of what drives human behaviour beyond the initial five levels

Self-actualisation involves

• Recognising and utilising talents and skills to the fullest

• Seeking out peak experiences

• Feeling alive and connected

• Displaying high levels of creativity and problem solving

• Acting according to values and beliefs

• Authenticity and integrity

• Finding a sense of purpose and meaning

• Continuous pursuit of self-improvement

Subjective Wellbeing Model (Researcher and Year)

Diener, 1984

Six factor model of wellbeing (Researcher and Year)

Ryff, 1989

Subjective Wellbeing Model

Diener proposed a framework for understanding and measuring individual happiness and satisfaction with life

Two components of subjective wellbeing model

• Life Satisfaction

• Affective Balance

Life Satisfaction

A broad, reflective cognitive assessment of an individual’s own overall life, based on their values, aspirations, and personal achievements

Affective Balance

The emotional component considers the balance between the immediate emotional experiences of an individual through the ratio of positive to negative emotions

Six components of Ryff’s model

• autonomy

• environmental mastery

• personal growth

• positive relations with others

• purpose in life

• self-acceptance

Autonomy

The individual is independent, self-determining, resists conforming to social pressures, and evaluates themself by their own personal standards

Environmental mastery

The individual is competent in their ability to manage their life, has a sense of control, and is able to change/improve their surroundings

Personal Growth

The individual continues to develop and grow towards realising their potential, they are open to new experiences, and they have a sense of fulfilment

Postive relations with others

The individual has satisfying, meaningful relationships involving empathy, affection, trust and intimacy

Purpose in life

The individual has goals, a sense of direction and a feeling that their life has meaning

Self-acceptance

The individual has a positive attitude toward themself and their past (both good and bad)