Types of motivation in psychology: definition and examples

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 motivation, work or learning motivation, this process helps us achieve our short-term and long-term goals.

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 kind of goals you want to achieve.

Index

1. What is motivation
2. The different theories of motivation according to authors
3. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation
4. Types of motivation: positive and negative
5. Personal motivation vs social motivation
6. Types of motivation in sport and in learning

The word motivation has its origin in the words of Latin motus (moved) and motio (movement), so we can understand that motivation is related to the impulse of the individual to perform certain acts.

In the first place, it is important to define what we understand as motivation today, this definition has suffered different changes according to the authors who have studied this phenomenon, however, we can highlight the following affirmation:

We understand motivation as a Energy that activates us, move and orient our actions towards a objective 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:

1. Intrinsic motivation
2. Extrinsic motivation
3. Positive motivation
4. Negative motivation
5. Personal motivation
6. Secondary motivation
7. Ego-centered motivation
8. Task-focused motivation

As we have commented previously, each author has contributed 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 drive 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 to reaching higher needs for self-realization. If you want to know more about this theory, you can consult the following article on the Maslow's pyramid: practical examples of each level.

Motivation according to McClelland

David McClelland affirms that the motivation of a person is defined by the search or satisfaction of three basic needs:

• Need for achievement
• Need for power
• Affiliation need

Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory

One of the most widely 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:

Once we know the main theories of motivation, it is time to define the types of motivation in psychology, What is your main motivation in life?

1. Intrinsic motivation

Considered as a type of positive motivation (which we will define later), intrinsic motivation It is the one related to our inner desires and impulses.

As its name suggests, 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 this motivation at a high level and thus achieve her 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, acceptance Social...)

For the motivation in learning, intrinsic motivation is more effective. However, the education system often rewards extrinsic motivation in learning.

Another way to classify the types of motivation in psychology is by analyzing the reward that is sought in the actions, that is: if we obtain something positive or avoid something negative happening to us.

3. Positive motivation

As its name suggests, 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 seek an external positive reward: money)

4. Negative motivation

In this case, the actions originated 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 is intrinsic negative. (we want to avoid putting our physical integrity at risk)

Another way to classify motivation is by analyzing the consequences of actions: if they are positive for the individual himself or if 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 It 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 rewards are difficult to measure, among them we highlight:

• The feeling of security
• Respect
• Sense of relevance
• Social recognition

Finally, there is a way to classify motivation according to whether the motivational energy comes in the short term and is directed to a specific activity or to improve an aspect of our life.

7. Ego-centered motivation

Also known as motivation in sport, is the impulse that comes from our body and leads us to maintain a certain rhythm of physical activity or a certain level of attention to study (indeed, 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, be it in studies, sports or working life. Task-focused motivation seeks long-term progress.

This article is merely informative, in 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to Types of motivation in psychology: definition and examples, we recommend that you enter our category of Cognitive psychology.

• 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.