Extrinsic Motivation

The Theory

Basic SDT research topics

Gagné, M.Jauvin, F., Forest, J.Coulombe, P. (2025) Why bonuses promote deviant behaviors: A self-­determination theory perspective. Human Resource Management, Advance online publication

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Gagné, M., Olafsen, A. H., Howard, J. L.Parker, S. (2025) What matters more for work motivation? Compensation or work design?. Motivation Science, Advance online publication

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Saini, M.Uppal, N., Howard, J. L. (2025) Perceived financial incentive salience and its undermining effect: A moderated-mediation model. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 98(1) ,e70000

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Gagné, M.Nordgren Selar, A.Sverke, M. (2023) In R. M. Ryan (Ed.), How important is money to motivate people to work?. Oxford University Press The Oxford handbook of self-determination theory, ,pp. 901-919

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Gurland, S. T., Grolnick, W. S. (2023) Relations among perceived threat, controlling parenting, and middle school children’s control beliefs. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 33 ,1-15

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Bradshaw, E. L.Conigrave, J. H.Steward, B. A.Ferber, K. A. (2023) A meta-analysis of the dark side of the American dream: Evidence for the universal wellness costs of prioritizing extrinsic over intrinsic goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 124(4) ,873-899

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Arvanitis, A.Kalliris, K.Kaminiotis, K. (2022) Are defaults supportive of autonomy? An examination of nudges under the lens of self-determination theory. The Social Science Journal, 59(3) ,394-404

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Evans, P., Ryan, R. M. (2022) In G. McPherson, Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for music performance. , The Oxford Handbook of Music Performance , 1 (pp. 576-603) Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190056285.013.24

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Good, V.Hughes, D. E.Kirca, A. H.McGrath, S. (2022) A self‐determination theory‐based meta‐analysis on the differential effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on salesperson performance. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 50 ,586-614

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Sansone, C.Tang, Y. (2021) Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and self-determination theory. Motivation Science, 7(2) ,113-114

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Howard, J. L., Bureau, J. S., Guay, F.Chong, J. X. Y. (2021) Student motivation and associated outcomes: A meta-analysis from self-determination theory. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(6) ,1300-1323

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Pope, P., Pelletier, L. G. (2021) What messages do adults prefer? Understanding adults’ perceptions of intrinsic and extrinsic physical activity messages. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 53(4) ,522–529

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Van den Broeck, A., Howard, J. L.Vaerenbergh, Y. V.Leroy, H. (2021) Beyond intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: A meta-analysis on self-determination theory’s multidimensional conceptualization of work motivation. Organizational Psychology Review, 11(3) ,240–273

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Gagné, M., Forest, J. (2020) Financial incentives to promote optimal work motivation: Mission impossible?. The Journal of Total Rewards, Q4 ,36-47

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Thibault Landry, A.Zhang, Y.Papaschristopoulos, K., Forest, J. (2020) Applying self‐determination theory to understand the motivational impact of cash rewards: New evidence from lab experiments. International Journal of Psychology, 55(3) ,487-498

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Robichaud, J-M., Mageau, G. A. (2020) The socializing role of logical consequences, mild punishments and reasoning in rule-breaking contexts involving multifaceted issues. Social Development, 29 ,356-372

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Leung, A. N. M., Law, W. (2019) Do extrinsic goals affect romantic relationships?. Motivation and Emotion, 43 ,857-873

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Ryan, R. M.Ryan, W. S., Di Domenico, S. I. (2019) In P. J. Corr (Ed.), Effects of rewards on self-determination and intrinsic motivation: Revisiting Deci (1971). (pp. 137-154) London, UK: Sage.

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2019) Research on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is alive, well, and reshaping 21st-century management approaches: Brief reply to Locke and Schattke (2019). Motivation Science, 5(4) ,291-294

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Martela, F., Bradshaw, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2019) Expanding the map of intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations using network analysis and multidimensional scaling: Examining four new aspirations. Frontiers in Psychology,

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Van den Broeck, A.Schreurs, B.Proost, K.Vanderstukken, A. (2019) I want to be a billionaire: How do extrinsic and intrinsic values influence youngsters’ well-being?. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 682(1) ,204-219

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Zhoc, K. C. H.King, R. B., Law, W.McInerney, D. M. (2019) Intrinsic and extrinsic future goals: Their differential effects on students’ self-control and distal learning outcomes. Psychology in the Schools, 56 ,1596–1613

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Mageau, G. A.Lessard, J., Carpentier, J., Robichaud, J-M. (2018) Effectiveness and acceptability beliefs regarding logical consequences and mild punishments. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 54 ,12-22

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Organismic integration theory: Internalization and the differentiation of extrinsic motivation. Guilford Press Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,179-215

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2017) Cognitive evaluation theory, part 1: The effects of rewards, feedback, and other external events on intrinsic motivation. Guilford Press Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness, ,123-157

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Thibault-Landry, A., Gagné, M., Forest, J.Guerrero, S. (2017) The relation between financial incentives, motivation, and performance: An integrative SDT-based investigation. Journal of Personnel Psychology, 16 ,61-76

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Park, L. E.Ward, D. E.Naragon-Gainey, K. (2017) It’s all about the money (for some): Consequences of financially contingent self-worth. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 43(5) ,1-12

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Gravel, E. E., Pelletier, L. G.Reissing, E. D. (2016) “Doing it” for the right reasons: Validation of a measurement of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation for sexual relationships. Personality and Individual Differences, 92 ,164-173

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Legault, L. (2016) In V. Zeigler-Hill & T. Shackelford, Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. , Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_1139-1

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Cerasoli, C. P.Nicklin, J. M.Nassrelgrgawi, A. S. (2016) Performance, incentives, and needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness: A meta-analysis. Motivation and Emotion, 40(6) ,781-813

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Kullgren, J. T., Williams, G. C.Resnicow, K.An, L. C. (2016) The promise of tailoring incentives for healthy behaviors. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 9(1) ,2-16

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Marsden, K. E.Ma, W. J., Deci, E. L., Ryan, R. M. (2015) Diminished neural responses predict enhanced intrinsic motivation and sensitivity to external incentive. Cognitive, Affective, Behavioral Neuroscience, 15 ,276-286

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Kirk, U., Brown, K. W.Downar, J. (2015) Adaptive neural reward processing during anticipation and receipt of monetary rewards in mindfulness meditators. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 10 ,752-759

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Soenens, B.Wuyts, D., Vansteenkiste, M., Mageau, G. A. (2015) Raising trophy kids: The role of mothers’ contingent self-esteem in maternal promotion of extrinsic goals. Journal of Adolescence, 42 ,40-49

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White II, M. H., Sheldon, K. M. (2014) The contract year syndrome in the NBA and MLB: A classic undermining pattern. Motivation and Emotion, 38 ,196-205

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Cerasoli, C. P.Nicklin, J. M.Ford, M. T. (2014) Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic incentives jointly predict performance: A 40-year meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4) ,980-1008

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Hagger, M. S.Keatley, D. A.Chan, D. C. K., Chatzisarantis, N. L. (2014) The goose is (half) cooked: A consideration of the mechanisms and interpersonal context is needed to elucidate the effects of personal financial incentives on health behaviour. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine,

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Moller, A. C., Deci, E. L. (2014) In E. Bijleveld, & H. Aarts (Eds.), The psychology of getting paid: An integrated perspective. Springer The psychological science of money, ,189–211

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Moller, A. C.Buscemi, JoannaMcFadden, H. GeneHedeker, Donald (2013) Financial motivation undermines potential enjoyment in an intensive diet and activity intervention. , Journal of Behavioral Medicine (pp. 1-9) doi: 10.1007/s10865-013-9542-5

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Lee, W., Reeve, J.Xue, Y.Xiong, J. (2012) Neural differences between intrinsic reasons for doing versus extrinsic reasons for doing: An fMRI study. Neuroscience Research, 73 ,68-72

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Moller, A. C.McFadden, H. G.Hedeker, D.Spring, B. (2012) Financial motivation undermines maintenance in an intensive diet and activity intervention. Journal of Obesity, 2012 ,1-8

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Lee, W., Reeve, J.Xue, Y.Xiong, J. (2012) Neural differences between intrinsic reasons for doing versus extrinsic reasons for doing. Neuroscience Research, 73 ,68-72

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Hagger, M. S., Chatzisarantis, N. L. (2011) Causality orientations moderate the undermining effect of rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 47 ,485-489

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Duriez, B. (2011) The social costs of extrinsic relative to intrinsic goal pursuits revisited: The moderating role of general causality orientation. Personality and Individual Differences, 50 ,684–687

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National Research Council (2011) In M. Hout and S. W. Elliott (Eds.), Incentives and test-based accountability in education. National Academy Press

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Gillet, N.Vallerand, R. J.Amoura, S.Baldes, B. (2010) Influence of coaches’ autonomy support on athletes’ motivation and sport performance: A test of the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 11 ,155-161

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Stone, D.Bryant, S. M.Wier, B. (2010) Why are financial incentive effects unreliable? An extension of self-determination theory. Behavioral Research in Accounting, 22(2) ,105-132

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Murayama, K.Matsumoto, M.Izuma, K.Matsumoto, K. (2010) Neural basis of the undermining effect of monetary reward on intrinsic motivation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107(49) ,20911-20916

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Sheldon, K. M.Gunz, A.Nichols, C. P.Ferguson, Y. (2010) Extrinsic value orientation and affective forecasting: Overestimating the rewards, underestimating the costs. Journal of Personality, 78 ,149-178

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, Sebire, S., Standage, M., Vansteenkiste, M. (2009) Examining intrinsic versus extrinsic exercise goals: Cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 31 ,189-210

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Niemiec, C. P., Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2009) The path taken: Consequences of attaining intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations in post-college life. Journal of Research in Personality, 43 ,291-306

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Wiechman, B. M.Gurland, S. T. (2009) What happens during the free-choice period? Evidence of a polarizing effect of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Research in Personality, 43 ,716-719

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Tremblay, M. A.Blanchard, C. M.Taylor, S., Pelletier, L. G. (2009) Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale: Its value for organizational psychology research. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 41(4) ,213-226

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Cozzolino, P., Sheldon, K. M.Schachtman, T. R.Meyers, L. S. (2009) Limited time perspective, values, and greed: Imagining a limited future reduces avarice in extrinsic people. Amsterdam: Elsevier Journal of Research in Personality, 43 ,399-408

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Muraven, M.Rosman, H., Gagné, M. (2007) Lack of autonomy and self-control: Performance contingent rewards lead to greater depletion. Motivation and Emotion, 31 ,322–330

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Duriez, B., Vansteenkiste, M., Soenens, B. (2007) The social costs of extrinsic relative to intrinsic goal pursuits: Their relation with social dominance and racial and ethnic prejudice. Journal of Personality, 75 ,757-782

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Sharp, E. C., Pelletier, L. G., Levesque, C. S. (2006) The double-edged sword of rewards for participation in psychology experiments. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 38 ,269-277

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Rijavec, M.Brdar, I.Miljkovic, D. (2006) Extrinsic vs. intrinsic life goals, psychological needs, and life satisfaction. In A. Delle Fave (Ed.), Dimensions of well-being. Research and intervention. (pp. 91-104 ) Milano: Franco Angeli.

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Frederick, C.Morris, T. (2004) Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in sport and exercise. In T. Morris & J. Summers (Eds.), Sport psychology: Theory, applications and issues, 2nd ed.. (pp. 121-151) Milton, Australia: John Wiley & Sons Australia.

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Joussemet, M., Koestner, R.Lekes, N.Houlfort, N. (2004) Introducing uninteresting tasks to children: A comparison of the effects of rewards and autonomy support. Journal of Personality, 72 ,140-166

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Vansteenkiste, M., Deci, E. L. (2003) Competitively contingent rewards and intrinsic motivation: Can losers remain motivated?. Motivation and Emotion, 27 ,273-299

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Vallerand, R. J., Ratelle, C. F. (2002) In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: A hierarchical model. (pp. 37-63) Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press.

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Houlfort, N., Koestner, R., Joussemet, M. (2002) The impact of performance-contingent rewards on perceived autonomy and competence. Motivation and Emotion, 26 ,279-295

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Kasser, T., Ryan, R. M. (2001) In Peter Schmuck & Kennon M. Sheldon, Be careful what you wish for: Optimal functioning and the relative attainment of intrinsic and extrinsic goals. , Life Goals and Well-Being: Towards a Positive Psychology of Human Striving (pp. 116-131) Gottingen: Hogrefe & Huber Publishers.

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Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., Ryan, R. M. (2001) Extrinsic rewards and intrinsic motivation in education: Reconsidered once again. Review of Educational Research., 71(1) ,1-27

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Ryan, R. M., Deci, E. L. (2000) Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1) ,68-78

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Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., Ryan, R. M. (1999) The undermining effect is a reality after all: Extrinsic rewards, task interest, and self-determination. Psychological Bulletin, 125(6) ,692-700

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Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., Ryan, R. M. (1999) A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125 ,627-668

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Joussemet, M., Koestner, R. (1999) Effect of expected rewards on children’s creativity. Creativity Research Journal, 12 ,231-239

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Ryan, R. M., La Guardia, J. G. (1999) Achievement motivation within a pressured society: Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to learn and the politics of school reform. In T. Urdan (Ed.), Advances in motivation and achievement. , 11 (pp. 45-85) Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.

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Pelletier, L. G.Tuson, K. M.Haddad, N. K. (1997) Client Motivation for Therapy Scale: A measure of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation for therapy. Journal of Personality Assessment, 68(2) ,414-435

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Vallerand, R. J. (1997) In M. P. Zanna (Ed.), Toward a hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. San Diego: Academic Press Advances in experimental social psychology, Vol. 29 ,271-360

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Kasser, T., Ryan, R. M. (1996) Further examining the American dream: Differential correlates of intrinsic and extrinsic goals. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 22(3) ,280-287

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Kasser, T., Ryan, R. M. (1993) A dark side of the American dream: Correlates of financial success as a central life aspiration. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(2) ,410-422

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Deci, E. L. (1972) The effects of contingent and non-contingent rewards and controls on intrinsic motivation. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 8 ,217-229

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Deci, E. L. (1971) Effects of externally mediated rewards on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 18(1) ,105-115

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