Psychology: Motivation

Understanding Motivation in Physical Education

Motivation refers to the processes that direct and sustain physical activity behaviour.
It involves psychological factors that cause us to initiate, persist, and adhere to a specific training programme or sport.
It can be separated into intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.

Defining Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation involves undertaking an activity purely for the satisfaction derived from the activity itself, such as enjoyment or personal growth.
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or outcomes, such as winning a trophy or avoiding negative consequences.

How Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation Influence Performance

Intrinsic motivation leads to longer term commitment and higher effort in physical activity due to the inherent enjoyment and satisfaction.
Extrinsic motivation can boost short term performance, especially when tangible rewards or recognition is given. However, overreliance on extrinsic motivation can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation.

Theories of Motivation in Physical Education

Self-determination theory posits that people are more likely to engage in activities in which they feel competent and autonomous.
Achievement Goal Theory suggests individuals are motivated either by a desire for task mastery (mastery goals) or a desire to outperform others (performance goals).

Effects of Motivation on Physical Performance

Higher levels of motivation often translate into increased effort, improved focus, and greater persistence in the face of difficulty or fatigue.
Motivation can influence learning and skill acquisition in physical education. High motivation can facilitate learning, whereas low motivation might hinder it.

Promoting Motivation in Physical Education

Providing feedback that enhances perceived competence and autonomy can promote intrinsic motivation.
Setting attainable but challenging goals can enhance both types and thus, overall motivation.
Balancing extrinsic rewards with intrinsic rewards can maintain long term engagement and performance in physical activities.

Understanding Amotivation and Demotivation

Amotivation refers to a lack of intent to engage in behaviour and is often influenced by perceived incompetence or a lack of perceived value in the activity.
Demotivation is the general feeling of being uninspired or not motivated to perform, often due to past failure, lack of interest, or inadequate reward structures.

Strategies to Combat Amotivation and Demotivation

To combat amotivation, interventions can focus on increasing perceived competence and enhancing the value and enjoyment of the physical activity.
Overcoming demotivation might involve addressing previous failures, increasing interest levels, or modifying reward structures to be more encouraging and satisfying.