Intrinsic Motivation and Health

Abstract

The concept of intrinsic motivation, championed by D. E. Berlyne, has by now taken root in psychology. Whether deprived of nutrients or not, both animals and humans will display considerable curiosity and play, and will actually work for no other reward than gaining information about the environment. Further, intrinsically motivated activities have proven to be especially satisfying, and without boredom or anxiety. Consistently with this, stimuli of a complex or changing nature attract more attention, and are considered more aesthetically pleasing.