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Epilogue: Distinct motivations and their differentiated mechanisms: Reflections on the emerging neuroscience of human motivation
Ryan, Richard Michael Di Domenico, Stefano
Ryan, Richard Michael
Di Domenico, Stefano
Abstract
We reflect upon the histories of the behavioral science and the neuroscience of motivation, taking note of how these increasingly consilient disciplines inform each other. This volume’s chapters illustrate how the field has moved beyond the study of immediate external rewards to the examination of neural mechanisms underlying varied motivational and appetitive states. Exemplifying this trend, we focus on emerging knowledge about intrinsic motivation, linking it with research on both the play and exploratory behaviors of nonhuman animals. We also speculate about large-scale brain networks related to salience processing as a possibly unique component of human intrinsic motivation. We further review emerging studies on neural correlates of basic psychological needs during decision making that are beginning to shine light on the integrative processes that support autonomous functioning. As with the contributions in this volume, such research reflects the increasing iteration between mechanistic studies and contemporary psychological models of human motivation.
Keywords
autonomy, decision making, intrinsic motivation, PLAY system, SEEKING system, self-determination theory
Date
2016
Type
Book chapter
Journal
Book
Recent Developments in Neuroscience Research on Human Motivation
Volume
19
Issue
Page Range
349-369
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled