According to motivation theories, what drives intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in activities for their own sake, driven by personal satisfaction and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one’s interests and goals. Self-satisfaction is a key component, as individuals who experience intrinsic motivation find joy in the process of learning, creating, or achieving something without needing external incentives.

Personal goals also play a significant role in intrinsic motivation; individuals are often motivated to pursue their own aspirations and desires for self-improvement or mastery. This internal drive fosters a deeper level of engagement and commitment to tasks, leading to higher levels of creativity, persistence, and overall satisfaction with the activities they undertake.

On the other hand, external rewards, peer pressure, and cultural expectations are more aligned with extrinsic motivation, which is when individuals engage in tasks primarily to gain rewards or approval from others. These factors tend to shift the focus away from personal satisfaction and the intrinsic joy of an activity, which contrasts with the essence of intrinsic motivation.