#atom

Psychological framework for understanding intrinsic motivation

Core Idea: Self-Determination Theory (SDT) proposes that humans have three innate psychological needs—competence, autonomy, and relatedness—that when satisfied lead to enhanced intrinsic motivation, well-being, and optimal functioning.

Key Elements

Three Core Psychological Needs

Competence

• The need to feel effective and capable in one's actions
• Reinforced through optimal challenges, positive feedback, and skill development
• Undermined by overly difficult tasks, criticism, or negative comparisons
• In gamification: progress bars, levels, mastery paths, skill trees
• Connected to the Development and Accomplishment core drive

Autonomy

• The need to feel that one's actions are self-determined rather than controlled
• Reinforced through meaningful choices, personalization, and voluntary participation
• Undermined by excessive external rewards, surveillance, or imposed goals
• In gamification: customization options, multiple paths, strategic choices
• Connected to the Empowerment of Creativity core drive

Relatedness

• The need to feel connected to others and sense of belonging
• Reinforced through social interaction, community contribution, and recognition
• Undermined by isolation, anonymity, or purely transactional relationships
• In gamification: social features, teams, mentorship, shared goals
• Connected to the Social Influence and Relatedness core drive

Motivation Spectrum

1. Amotivation: Complete lack of motivation or intention
2. Extrinsic Motivation:
   • External Regulation: Purely reward/punishment driven
   • Introjected Regulation: Partially internalized (guilt, approval)
   • Identified Regulation: Personally valued outcomes
   • Integrated Regulation: Aligned with personal values and identity
3. Intrinsic Motivation: Activity performed for inherent satisfaction

Applications in Gamification

• Design for gradual internalization of motivation
• Balance extrinsic rewards to avoid undermining intrinsic motivation
• Create meaning through narrative and purpose (Epic Meaning and Calling)
• Provide appropriate challenge levels that grow with user skill (Flow Theory in Gamification)
• Offer meaningful choices that impact the experience
• Develop social connections and community
• Shift from controlling to informational feedback

Research and Evidence

• Numerous studies across domains (education, work, health, games)
• Consistent findings on the relationship between need satisfaction and well-being
• Meta-analyses confirming positive effects of autonomy-supportive contexts
• Proven applications in game design, education, and workplace motivation

Additional Connections

• Broader Context: Positive Psychology (theoretical foundation)
• Applications: Intrinsic Motivation Design (practical implementation)
• See Also: Cognitive Evaluation Theory (sub-theory of SDT regarding rewards)

References

1. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. "Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness." Guilford Press, 2017.
2. Rigby, S., & Ryan, R. M. "Glued to Games: How Video Games Draw Us In and Hold Us Spellbound." Praeger, 2011.
3. Chou, Yu-kai. "Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards." Octalysis Media, 2015.

#motivation #psychology #gamification #behavioral-design #human-needs

Connections:

Sources:

• From: Chou-Actionable Gamification