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DEFINITIONS

Self-esteem: a person’s self-worth or apprehension of their value as a person (Tafarodi & Ho, 2006).

Explicit self-esteem: a person’s conscious self-esteem that is measured directly (Tafarodi & Ho, 2006).
Implicit self-esteem: a person’s unconscious self-esteem that is indirectly measured (Tafarodi & Ho, 2006).

Intrinsic motivation: form of motivation that comes from within, directed by self-interest and curiosity (Barszcz et al., 2022; Park & Word, 2012)
Extrinsic motivation: motivation from external factors such as rewards (Barszcz et al., 2022)

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HYPOTHESIS

Ho: r ≤ 0

Ha: r > 0 One-tailed

I hypothesized a positive correlation between self-esteem and intrinsic motivation. Self-esteem can be defined as a person’s self-worth or apprehension of their value as a person (Tafarodi & Ho, 2006) and intrinsic motivation is action stemming from within, directed by self-interest and curiosity (Barszcz et al., 2022; Park & Word, 2012). Self esteem may raise intrinsic motivation by providing the foundation needed to persevere, such as a high self confidence and faith in one’s abilities to succeed (Baumeister & Tice, 1985; Tang et al., 1987). People with high self-esteem may need less external validation due to the confidence they find within themselves. In turn, they may find more worth in acting in their own interests.

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BAUMEISTER AND TICE, 1985

Summary

2 (high self-esteem, low-self esteem) X 3 (success feedback, humiliating failure feedback, “face-saving” failure feedback) experiment. Participants were assigned to complete anagrams. After the anagrams, participants were randomly assigned to receive one of the three types of feedback. After receiving feedback, intrinsic motivation was measured by how much time participants spent on the anagrams when they were alone and waiting for the next activity. Results revealed that high self-esteem x success feedback showed the most intrinsic motivation, but under failure, showed more intrinsic motivation after humiliating failure. Low self-esteem x humiliating failure showed more intrinsic motivation.

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TANG ET AL., 1987

Summary

2 (high self-esteem, low self-esteem) X 2 (easy, difficult) experiment. Self-esteem was measured a week prior to the experiment via self-report scale. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a anagrams labeled “easy” or “difficult” despite the anagrams being identical. Participants were instructed to work on the anagrams for two work periods. Before each work period they stated their goals for that period. Intrinsic motivation was measured by how much time participants spent on the anagrams during an intermission where they weren’t required to. Results showed low self-esteem x easy had the least intrinsic motivation. High self-esteem x easy solved more anagrams, high self-esteem x difficult worked harder. Limitations include potential demand characteristics.

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DISCUSSION

Both studies confirm the correlation between self-esteem and intrinsic motivation. Self-esteem appears to increase levels of intrinsic motivation, but this relationship may be cyclical. The positive attitudes and mindset from self-esteem may increase levels of intrinsic motivation. The sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy from intrinsic may raise self-esteem.

Researching this correlation can help individuals navigate future goals and inspire business owners to curate work environments that foster wellbeing and self-esteem for higher productivity. This information can also be used to deepen philosophical, political, and economic discussions about human nature and the natural inclination towards productivity.

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REFERENCES

Barszcz, S. J., Oleszkowicz, A. M., Bąk, O., & Słowińska, A. M. (2022). The role of types of motivation, life goals, and beliefs in pro-environmental behavior: The self-determination theory perspective. Current Psychology: A Journal for Diverse Perspectives on Diverse Psychological Issues. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csuci.edu/10.1007/s12144-022-02995-2

Baumeister RF, Tice DM. Self-esteem and responses to success and failure: Subsequent performance and intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality. 1985;53(3):450-467. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1985.tb00376.x

Janoff-Bulman, R., & Brickman, P. (1982). Expectations and what people learn from failure. In N. T. Feather (Ed.), Expectations and actions. Hillsdale, NJ: Earlbaum.

McFarlin, D. B., Baumeister, R. F., & Blascovich, J, (1984). On knowing when to quit: Task failure, self-esteem, advice, and nonproductive persistence. Journal of Personality, 55, 138-155.

Park, S. M., & Word, J. (2012). Driven to service: Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for public and nonprofit managers. Public Personnel Management, 41(4), 705–734. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csuci.edu/10.1177/009102601204100407

Tang TL, Liu H, Vermillion WH. Effects of self-esteem and task labels (difficult vs easy) on intrinsic motivation, goal setting, and task performance. Journal of General Psychology. 1987;114(3):249-262. Accessed March 17, 2024. https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.csuci.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=1988-25475-001&site=ehost-live