We know little about that energy that drives us and encourages us to pursue a goal. Motivation according to psychology is a key element in our psychological well-being and it is very important to study both its definition and all the types of motivation that exist. Whether it’s intrinsic, extrinsic motivationwork or learning motivation, this process helps us achieve our short and long-term objectives.
In the following Psychology-Online article, we will review the Types of motivation in psychology: their definition and examples. In this way, you will be able to analyze what your main motivation in life is and what type of goals you want to achieve.
What is motivation
The word motivation has its origin in the Latin words motus (moved) and motive (movement), so we can understand that motivation is related to the impulse of the individual to perform certain acts.
First of all, it is important to define what we understand as motivation today. This definition has undergone different changes according to the authors who have studied this phenomenon. However, we can highlight the following statement:
We understand motivation as a energy that activates us, move and orient our actions towards a aim Specifically, this objective is related to the satisfaction of our needs like human beings.
Once we understand the definition of motivation, we are going to list the types of motivation in psychology and then define them:
- Intrinsic motivation
- Extrinsic motivation
- Positive motivation
- Negative motivation
- Personal motivation
- Secondary motivation
- Ego-centered motivation
- Task-focused motivation
The different theories of motivation according to authors
As we have mentioned previously, each author has provided their own definition and classification of this phenomenon known as motivation. Among all the theories, we can highlight three great authors:
Abraham Maslow and the hierarchy of needs
For Abraham Maslow, motivation can be defined as the impulse that human beings have to satisfy their needs. These needs are distributed hierarchically in the form of a pyramid, starting with the most basic needs such as eating and drinking until reaching higher needs for self-actualization. If you want to know more about this theory, you can consult the following article about it.
Motivation according to McClelland
David McClelland states that a person’s motivation is defined by the search or satisfaction of three basic needs:
- Need for achievement
- Need for power
- Membership need
Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory
One of the most used models in the world of business psychology and coaching is Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory. This expert in work motivation affirms that the factors that encourage an individual and keep him oriented to be productive are the following:
- Motivating factors: increase individual satisfaction
- Hygiene factors: They keep the individual away from dissatisfaction.
To better understand this model, we attach a small diagram:
Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation
Once we know the main theories of motivation, it is time to define the types of motivation in psychologyWhat is your main motivation in life?
1. Intrinsic motivation
Considered a type of positive motivation (which we will define later), it is that related to our internal desires and impulses.
As its name indicates, intrinsic motivation It comes from ourselves and is aimed at exploring, learning and obtaining satisfactory internal rewards (pleasure, tranquility, happiness,…). According to many psychological theories, when a person is intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to maintain said motivation at a high level and thus achieve their goals.
2. Extrinsic motivation
In this case, despite having a positive orientation, extrinsic motivation It has its origin outside of us, that is, it is induced by our environment. This type of motivation in psychology is defined as those impulses and elements from the outside that raise our motivation and direct actions towards the pursuit of a positive external stimulus (prizes, money, social acceptance…)
For the motivation in learning, intrinsic motivation is more effective. However, the education system often rewards extrinsic motivation in learning.
Types of motivation: positive and negative
Another way to classify the types of motivation in psychology is by analyzing the reward sought in the actions, that is, whether we obtain something positive or prevent something negative from happening to us.
3. Positive motivation
As its name indicates, this type of motivation is defined as the search for a positive reward. Let’s take an example:
- People who are playing the lottery every day have a positive extrinsic motivation (they look for an external positive reward: money)
4. Negative motivation
In this case, the actions caused by motivation will be aimed at avoiding a negative stimulus (pain, failure, loss of money…). For example:
- When we are in danger, our motivation to run away is negative intrinsic. (we want to avoid putting our physical integrity at risk)
Personal motivation vs social motivation
Another way to classify motivation is by analyzing the consequences of actions: whether they are positive for the individual themselves or whether they are a social reward.
5. Personal or primary motivation
This type of motivation is purely intrinsic and is characterized by the fact that the reward is aimed at satisfying an individual’s own need, be it food, water, well-being, pleasure…
6. Secondary motivation
On the other hand, if intrinsic motivation is aimed at achieving well-being through others, it is known as secondary or social motivation. This type of motivation is somewhat more complex to analyze because the rewards are difficult to measure, among them we highlight:
- The feeling of security
- Respect
- Feeling of relevance
- Social recognition
Types of motivation in sport and learning
Finally, there is a way to classify motivation according to whether the motivational energy comes in the short term and is directed at a specific activity or improving an aspect of our life.
7. Ego-centered motivation
Also known as , it is the impulse that comes from our body and leads us to maintain a certain pace of physical activity or a certain level of attention to study (in fact, ego-centered motivation can also be applied to studies).
8. Task-focused motivation
This type of motivation in psychology is defined as the desire that one has to improve and progress in a specific field of our lives, whether in studies, sports or work life. Task-focused motivation seeks long-term progress.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Herzberg, F. (1968). One more time: How do you motivate employees.
- Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological review, 50(4), 370.
- McClelland, D. C. (1987). Human motivation. CUP Archive.