Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Humanistic Theory, motivation plays a fundamental role in personality development, particularly through the lens of intrinsic motives. This perspective emphasizes that individuals are motivated by an inherent drive towards personal growth, self-actualization, and fulfilling their potential. Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal desires and values that guide behaviors and decisions, such as the pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and personal fulfillment, rather than external rewards or pressures.

Humanistic theorists, like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, argue that when individuals are motivated by their intrinsic desires, they are more likely to develop a healthy and authentic personality. This intrinsic motivation fosters self-exploration and personal development, leading individuals to make choices that align with their true selves. The belief in the individual's capacity for growth and self-improvement is central to Humanistic Theory, making intrinsic motivation a crucial element in understanding how personality is formed and expressed.

This perspective on motivation distinguishes Humanistic Theory from behavioral or psychodynamic approaches, which may focus more on external influences or unconscious drives. In essence, the view that motivation drives personality development through intrinsic motives captures the essence of Humanistic Theory's focus on individual agency and personal meaning.